Mayor Hess Issues Code Red on Friday

Good afternoon,

Today is May 8 at 5:30pm. Our count in Naugatuck today is 228, 53 of the cases are related to nursing homes. I'm sorry to announce that we are up to eight deaths with seven related to nursing homes. There are several relevant factors that are impacting our numbers. There is currently much greater access to testing than in the past. So, we're getting more positives, the test results also lag and are reported in bunches.

What do these statistics tell us? Clearly the virus is still here. It's imperative that we continue to maintain social distancing and follow CDC protocols. Because of increased access to testing the numbers will continue to rise. It is uncertain as to how long this trend will continue.

We all know that uncertainty can cause fear, anxiety and stress. What can be done to overcome fear, anxiety and stress? The best thing that can be done is to make a plan and begin to implement it. Once you begin implementing a plan, you stop worrying and your anxiety subsides. For example, I have a two-part plan. I follow CDC guidelines, and I do everything I can to strengthen my lungs. I walk every morning and evening up a lot of hills. So, my advice to you is make a plan, start implementing it. You'll then stop worrying. In other words, stop thinking and start doing.

One other thing, we all know that we are Naugy Strong. So, what does this really mean? It means we are tough; we are gritty, we never give up. Actually, we never, ever give up. We are resilient, we stick together, we help each other, we have compassion for each other. We are not red. We are not blue. We are garnet and gray. We will all help each other get through this. We are Naugy Strong.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay Naugy Strong.

Pete Hess
Mayor
Borough of Naugatuck