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First Selectman's Report 1.28.22

Posted on: January 28, 2022 - 4:27pm

Blizzard Warning

As the community braces for a potential blizzard this weekend, the town is preparing for a large snowfall and strong winds. Our team of dedicated professionals are ready for the snowstorm. I ask that you review the First Selectman’s Report (specifically points 1 &2) regarding the storm. Please stay warm and safe.  Also included is the latest from the desk of Chatham Health.

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman

Current Updates:

First Selectman’s Report: 1/24– 1/28

  1. There is a Blizzard Warning in effect from 7 pm Friday evening to 7 pm Saturday. We are expecting total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 ft with wind gusts as high as 60 mph. Travel could be very difficult to impossible, and the hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage, resulting in power outages. Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
  2. Due to the impending blizzard, all municipal buildings (Town Hall, Library, Senior Center, and Youth Center) are closed this weekend. The transfer station will be closed as well and will reopen Tuesday. There will be a parking ban going into effect from Midnight Friday until Midnight Sunday. If you need to contact Public Works, please call the town garage at 860-537-1086. For the plows to clear streets properly, please remove all garbage cans from the edge of the street. In case of a power outage, we are ready to open the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Bacon Academy as warming centers.
  3. Housing Affordability Survey: Connecticut can be an expensive place to live. The Town of Colchester Planning and Zoning Department is requesting a few minutes of your time to complete a survey regarding the issue of Housing Affordability. The Town is working with a consultant to prepare a plan to increase the amount of and access to more affordable housing options in town. Please use the following link to access the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ColchesterAffordableHousing

For related information about Affordable Housing, including who needs it, what it looks like, and how to provide more of it, please visit the following link for a webpage addressing these issues and more: https://arcg.is/1Wq8Wj

  1. Request for proposals (RFPs) for an independent consultant to review ARPA applications are now closed. RFPs are being reviewed and recommendations will be sent to the Board of Selectmen for a vote. The ARPA Committee has postponed reviewing applications until a consultant is found. However, they will continue to receive applications from small businesses. As a reminder, there is $1M in ARPA funds specifically earmarked for our local businesses. A business may receive up to $25K in federal funds. Please apply and complete your ARPA Application here:  https://www.colchesterct.gov/your-government/arpa-ad-hoc-committee  You may reach out to [email protected]  if you have any further questions.
  2. The Fair Rent Commission, which has been vacant for years, needs of applicants. If you are interested in serving our community, please consider filling out a form here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/files/     
  3. On Thursday, January 26th our community officially swore in Corporal Scheel’s new partner, K9 Skipper. Skipper is a trained certified therapy dog from a nationally recognized organization for first responders – “Puppies Behind Bars”. Skipper was donated to the town of Colchester to be a support animal for the citizens of the town for our schools. Skipper's veterinary bills have also been covered by Colchester Veterinary Hospital for the life of the dog. Additional donations have been made through a set-up nonprofit account to alleviate other expenses that may occur. I look forward to Skipper’s overall positive impact to our community.
  4. The Connecticut Humanities recently awarded a $24,999 Implementation Grant matching grant to the Garde Arts Center in New London in support of the production of the documentary film “Henny and Hannover.” The film will tell the story of Henny Simon, a Colchester Jewish Holocaust survivor, Hartford WWII veteran Ben Cooper, and their efforts to share their experiences with the public and students. The film will explore themes of memory, resilience, and speaking out against hate. The film will premiere in 2023.

 

From the Desk of Chatham Health:

Overall, the District had 999 cases during this reporting period – a decrease of 251 cases (or 20%) compared to the last reporting period. Reported case rates continue to vastly underestimate the true burden of COVID-19 in our communities, with public testing resources limited, and results from at-home tests going unreported. It is estimated that there are as many as 3 additional cases unreported for every reported case (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/burden.html). If residents choose to gather together, even in small groups, at this time they should expect exposure to COVID-19.

Hospitalizations have continued to decline, with 1,270 patients currently hospitalized. Fatalities, which typically lag behind both cases and hospitalizations, declined slightly but remain elevated, with 225 fatalities in the last week. DPH data show that approximately 74.6% of Chatham Health District residents are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (booster data is not yet available). Though the Omicron variant has shown an ability to infect people who are fully vaccinated, vaccination continues to provide significant protection from severe disease.

Compared to being vaccinated, being unvaccinated currently has the following relative risk:

  • 13 Times higher risk of dying from COVID-19
  • 8 Times higher risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19
  • In order to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
  • Avoid indoor social gatherings with people from multiple households, especially if there will be high risk, or unvaccinated people in attendance.
  • Get vaccinated if you have not already done so.
  • Get a booster shot if you are eligible.
  • Getting tested for COVID-19 especially if you are sick, or as close as possible before gathering in large groups even if you feel well.
  • At-home tests are a convenient way to accomplish this if available.
  • At-home tests can be ordered online (now at no cost using www.covidtest.gov) or at many local pharmacies, though supplies remain limited.
  • STAY HOME if you are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 5 days, and DO NOT leave home until at least 5 days have passed since your symptoms began or since you tested positive, you are feeling much better, and no longer have a fever.*
  • Wear a mask in crowded indoor public settings**

New treatments have become available for COVID-19 recently, including more convenient and highly effective medications that can be taken at home. Though many newer medications continue to be in very short supply, if you become sick with COVID-19, contact your doctor to discuss treatment options. If you are at high risk for severe disease, even if you are vaccinated, do not delay seeking treatment. Being vaccinated, combined with early treatment is an important predictor of better outcomes, especially for high-risk individuals.

Chatham Health District is coordinating testing and vaccine clinics, and the surge in demand that led to long lines during the holidays has eased. To see upcoming scheduled vaccine and testing clinics in the district, visit our website: https://www.chathamhealth.org/services-2, or call 2-1-1. Residents who are sick but are unable to get tested should assume they have COVID-19 and isolate for at least 5 days**.

* CDC issued updated quarantine and isolation guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolati...

** Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of face without gaps. Loose-fitting, cloth face coverings provide less protection than surgical masks, KN95, or N95 masks. Many municipalities are distributing high quality KN95 or N95 masks to the public. Residents should check their town’s website for details.

Click here for the latest from the Dept of Emergency Services and Public Protection