Weekly Covid-19 Status Report - 12/23/2021
Posted on: December 27, 2021 - 10:03am
Good morning,
Attached is our weekly COVID-19 Status Report. (Reporting period covers 12/5-12/18).
Overall, the District had 552 cases during this reporting period – an increase of 59 cases (or 12%) compared to the last reporting period. Infection rates have surpassed those we experienced during the same period last year, a worrying trend going into the Christmas holiday. All Connecticut counties have been identified by CDC as having high levels of transmission (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view|Connecticut|Risk|community_transmission_level)
Hospitalizations and fatalities have continued to increase across the state, with 837 patients currently hospitalized, and 75 fatalities in the last week. During the same week last year there were 1,200 patients hospitalized across the State, and fatalities were approximately 5-times higher.
While DPH data show that approximately 70.6% of Chatham Health District residents are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and many other residents have been sick with – and recovered from – natural infection, COVID-19 remains a dangerous illness. Many residents in Connecticut and from across the country that our residents may visit or play host to during the holidays remain susceptible to infection and illness. Whether and how residents choose gather over the Christmas holiday may impact the health of those with whom they gather and visit. Residents are encouraged to take precautions during the holiday season, including:
- Getting vaccinated if you have not already done so.
- Getting a booster shot if you are eligible.
- Getting tested for COVID-19 especially if you are sick, or as close as possible before gathering with family for the holidays even if you feel well.
- At-home tests are a convenient way to accomplish this if available.
- At-home tests can be purchased online or at many local pharmacies, though supplies are often limited.
- Refraining from gathering together with people from other households if you are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, especially if there will be people at high risk for severe COVID-19 - including older adults, someone who is immunocompromised, or unvaccinated household members.
- Wearing a mask in crowded indoor public settings*
Chatham Health District is coordinating testing and vaccine clinics, though demand for testing services is leading to long lines and occasional shortages. To see upcoming scheduled vaccine and testing clinics in the district, visit our website: https://www.chathamhealth.org/services-2.
*Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of face without gaps. Masks should be made of multiple layers (2 is OK, 3 is better) of tightly woven fabric that does not let light pass through when held up to a light source.
Russell S. Melmed, MPH
Director of Health
Chatham Health District
240 Middletown Avenue
East Hampton, CT 06424
Tel: 860-365-0884
Fax: 860-365-0885
Please click here for the full report.