Hamden Coronavirus Update: Assume Everyone Is A Carrier Of Virus

HAMDEN, CT — The director of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District is urging residents in Hamden and throughout Connecticut to assume that they can infect others with the new coronavirus, according to Hamden Mayor Curt Balzano Leng. Both Leng and Quinnipiack Valley Health District Director Rick Matheny are urging residents to recognize that asymptomatic people can transmit COVID-19 to others.

Leng said the health district went so far as to provide the town with a specific written opinion and an “indisputable explanation that all residents at this point need to assume that they are carriers.”

All residents are urged to behave as though they may be potential transmitters of the COVID-19 virus. According to the health department’s written statement, “Everyone should be considered as a potential COVID-19 positive person capable of spreading the virus.” (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“Going the Distance to contain this Pandemic, and maintaining our distance in all aspects of our life, will SAVE THE LIVES of our loved ones and our neighbors,” according to a news release. “While this may seem extreme, the Health Department for our region has taken this position for a reason. Responsible Social/Physical Distancing demands we treat even those closest to us as potential carriers.”

Leng is urging “all residents to treat this pandemic with a severe level of caution and to ‘Stay Safe & Go the Distance’ on social/physical distancing, per the Health Director’s firm recommendation made with the health of our community at the core of the message.”

“This is painful, we know prolonged distance can be extremely challenging for all residents,” Leng said. “Despite this, the times demand for immediate and intense actions from all of us to save lives. The suffering we will experience from the loss of our friends and family members can be reduced and avoided. We can only do this together.

“We must be strong and recognize that our community and our state is facing a danger that cannot be understated. Together, through responsible precaution and smart prevention actions, we can save so many lives."

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor or healthcare facility immediately. If you have questions about COVID-19 call 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644).

See related:

• Hamden Coronavirus Update: 1st Death Reported
• Hamden Coronavirus Updates: Leng Issues Emergency Order
• Coronavirus Hamden: Leng Implores Residents To ‘Get Serious’
• Hamden Coronavirus Update: Leng Launches Virtual Town Hall Series