Politics & Government

Glastonbury Issues Weekly Coronavirus Update

The town's loss of residents from COVID-19 now stands at 83.

Press Release Desk, News Partner

From the Town of Glastonbury:

July 16, 2020

Please review the town updates summarized herein for resident convenience. In addition to this publication, the Town also maintains the following 3 resident reference guides, which outline important details regarding how the pandemic continues to influence Town operations and service delivery:

Find out what's happening in Glastonburyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  1. Summary of Services Available vs. Suspended
  2. Facility Closures and Openings
  3. Modified Processes for Town Services

Glastonbury COVID-19 Figures as of 7/12/2020
Note: Numbers in (parentheses) indicate a change from the previous week.

As per CT Department of Public Health (DPH) lab testing data available 7/12/20, Glastonbury has 3,318 (+328) residents who have been tested for COVID-19. Of those 3,318 residents, 309 (+9) are laboratory-confirmed positive and probable cases of COVID-19. Information for positive cases and deaths from previous weeks were updated; 2 Glastonbury resident deaths were recorded this past week, and data from previous weeks was updated to include an additional 5 deaths. A total of 178 (+5) females and 131 (+4) males are positive. Glastonbury’s loss of residents from Coronavirus now stands at 83. Testing is readily available in multiple locations in the Glastonbury area. We continue to see an increase in the number of individuals tested across all age ranges. DPH requires local health departments to follow up on positive cases through use of a Contact Tracing program in an attempt to keep the potential spread of disease and number of new cases down. The greatest number of residents tested is in the 50 - 59 year age group.

Find out what's happening in Glastonburyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

* Data from DPH is considered preliminary, and data changes as new reports are received and data errors are corrected. In an ongoing process of data assessment, DPH continues to modify how certain disease-positive lab results are considered, changing some previous counts. Probable cases of COVID-19 involve persons who have not had confirmatory laboratory testing (RT-PCR) performed for COVID-19, but whose symptoms indicate they are likely to have a COVID-19 infection. In Connecticut, most of the probable COVID-19 cases involve persons whose death certificates list COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. Prior to June 1, probable and confirmed cases were reported together.

Town Facebook Pages for Real-Time Updates

Glastonbury maintains several Facebook pages for its various departments and the platform is one of the most convenient ways to get updates of interest to you/your family. Please follow any/all of these Facebook pages below for real-time updates on virtual and in-person programming, facility openings/closures, changes, and more!

Parks & Recreation Updates – Pools, Playgrounds, and Basketball Courts

Town staff are working diligently to reopen town parks and recreational facilities while balancing resident and staff safety and heeding state and CDC guidelines. The facilities below are currently OPEN. Please note, the Town is NOT sanitizing surfaces at recreational facilities so please USE AT YOUR OWN RISK, practice social distancing, and wear masks when within 6 feet of non-household members.*

  • Addison & Grange Pools – Limited capacity and reservations/pre-payment required. Pool passes NOT available. Eastbury Pond - Swim-at-your-own risk (no lifeguards on duty). Click here to review pool rules/regulations and reservation info.
  • Basketball Courts at Riverfront, Welles, and Addison.
  • Playgrounds at Riverfront Park, Addison, Naubuc, and Hebron Ave School.
    • Hebron Avenue & Naubuc School playgrounds closed to the public during Summer Camp hours: Hebron Ave. M-F from 7:30am- 5:00pm and Naubuc: M-F from 8:30am - 3:00pm.
  • Skate Park – Open as of July 8. Must follow guidelines. See P&R Facebook page for more info.

Additional Notes:

  • Remaining playgrounds & basketball courts will open soon as scheduling/resources permit.
  • Glastonbury High School Pool is closed for the summer.

  • As of June 29, the GHS Track & Tennis Courts have temporarily CLOSED for repairs.

Refuse Disposal Permit Purchase Options

Glastonbury residents may obtain a refuse disposal permit through the following methods:

  • By Mail / Drop Box: Complete the new electronic refuse permit application and submit it, along with check payment, required documentation, and a self-addressed and stamped return envelope to the Attention of the Customer Service Center at Town Hall (2155 Main Street). Applications may be submitted by U.S. Mail or using the secure tax drop box located on the exterior wall of Town Hall. If using the drop box, please clearly label the outside of the envelope with “Refuse Permit”. Learn more about the mail-in application process.
  • In-Person – Refuse Disposal Permits may also be purchased in-person at the Transfer Station or Bulky Waste Facility during normal operating hours. Credit card, check, or exact cash accepted.

Best Face Masks for Protection

It’s important that we continue to wear face masks/coverings when out and about as the cases of COVID-19 re-surge across the country. For resident safety, the Health Department has provided a quick reference list on the best (and worst!) masks to wear for protecting others:

BEST TO WEAR:

  • Reusable cloth face covering - These environmentally-friendly options are available in lots of colors and designs and should be washed frequently according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Otherwise, most can be hand-washed and air dried or washed in the washing machine in a delicates/lingerie bag and air dried to prevent damage. If your mask has a filter insert, follow manufacturer’s directions for replacement.Get yours free through the Town at www.glastonbury-ct.gov/mask. See photo at below left.
  • Disposable surgical style mask - If you wear disposable surgical style masks, reuse them until they are visibly soiled, or you feel you have worn them for too long. These masks are still in relatively limited supply, so please don’t dispose of them after one use unless it is necessary.

DO NOT USE:

N95 masks – New, unexpired N95 masks are still being prioritized for medical providers, particularly with COVID-19 resurgence in many states. However, if you have N95 masks that are past the expiration date, feel free to wear them. The expiration date is for the elastic head strap only and an expired N95 mask provides the same protection as a surgical style mask.

Masks with exhalation valve: Some masks now include an exhalation valve. These masks should NOT be worn as COVID-19 face coverings, as they are designed to release the moisture you exhale. The purpose of wearing a face mask with COVID-19 is to prevent your moisture/respiratory droplets from escaping - the exact OPPOSITE of this mask design. If you have this type of covering, please discard it and replace it with an approved face covering from the list above.

Reminders

Resources:

Donate or Volunteer

Please contact Glastonbury Social Services at socialservices@glastonbury-ct.gov to discuss available volunteer opportunities. To donate supplies or assist with making face masks for residents in need, please contact Anna Park at anna.park@glastonbury-ct.gov.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Johnson
Town Manager

This press release was produced by the Town of Glastonbury. The views expressed are the author's own.

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