Coronavirus East Haven: Mayor Provides Update On Cases, Deaths

EAST HAVEN, CT — The town has 53 identified cases of COVID-19 and two residents have died, Mayor Joe Carfora said.

Carfora the latest numbers from town and state health department data show an increase of 27 cases from less than a week ago.

Carfora said that while statewide "ages 50 to 59 are the largest group of those testing positive right now, but our seniors are overwhelmingly the most at risk. There is no one area of our town that has any more positives than any other. Our commitment to social distancing must be consistent and practiced everywhere."

"Make no mistake, this will be a challenging couple of weeks, as we expect to see the number of cases continue to rise. Remain home if at all possible, unless shopping for food, need medicine, or going to and from work- if that is required. As difficult as it is- please keep children from congregating," Carfora urged.

Housing for first responders

Carfora said that on Friday, the town has finalized a housing agreement with the University of New Haven for the protection of first responders. He said "approximately 20 beds have been reserved for East Haven personnel should that become necessary to protect them and their families."

On Saturday, Carfora met with public safety, health and other town officials in a virtual meeting where he said the discussion were centered on nursing homes and assisted living facilities, grocery store practices and the use of masks.

Nursing home cases

Carfora noted that residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are at risk and one facility in East Haven has been heavily impacted. He said officials are aware but "jurisdiction over these facilities lies solely with the state Department of Public Health." He did not name the facility. He said that the DPH and East Shore Health are "heavily involved with the impacted facility. Our job is to provide support to those entities when requested to do so and we are."

To date, he said the town has "provided limited amounts of PPE to senior facilities. Reports about those facilities are heavily controlled by the state and there are strict guidelines that our town must adhere to."

Grocery store complaints

Carfora said that the town and the East Shore Health District "have received complaints regarding the practices of some grocery stores." He said that it was decided that a team including an East Shore health inspector, the fire marshal and a police officer will "visit stores to make sure that they are adhering to the required food service orders and protocols. That will start this week."

Regarding Masks

Carfora said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are now advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus. This will help people who may have the virus and do not know it, from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings made from household items or made at home from common materials can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

What is known about COVID-19 spread

We know that this virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
• Between people who are in close contact with one another.
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Social distancing, hand-washing and other measures are vital

Social distance is imperative in preventing the spread of COVID-19--- it means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
• Stay at least 6 feet from other people
• Do not gather in groups- do not allow kids to congregate in our parks
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
If you are visiting from out of town quarantine for 14 days.

Continue to wash your hands and practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice; they will direct you.

Again, please don’t fall prey to telephone or internet scams and never give anyone personal information. I urge you to be careful of social media locations that provide conflicting and divisive information. Some are passing information that IS NOT accurate. Please refer to official sites for information – incorrect information impacts our community; AND it has the potential to place our first responders in harm’s way.

"My office is working with social service groups, locally and regionally and continuing to evaluate the best way to serve our community and its most vulnerable," he said.