Mayor Simmons Urges Vigilance Against COVID-19

STAMFORD, CT — With COVID-19 case numbers rising following the Thanksgiving holiday and the emergence of the omicron variant in New York City, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons is urging residents to increase safety measures against the virus.

Stamford has been averaging 9.8 daily cases per 100,000 over the past two weeks, according to the state Department of Public Health.

However, the update from Simmons' office noted that internal health data shows the seven day average of cases per 100,000 is approaching 15 cases per day. The average was as low as four in mid-November.

Simmons' office called the rate of increase "concerning."

"We are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases and I am deeply concerned as we enter this holiday season with traditional gatherings," Simmons said in a news release Friday afternoon. "We are still in this COVID-19 pandemic and it is imperative that Stamford residents remain vigilant and follow appropriate safety precautions. As mayor, I am strongly urging residents to get vaccinated, receive their boosters, be tested and wear masks indoors."

Simmons' office said safety precautions include:

• Staying home when feeling ill
• Wearing a face covering when indoors in public regardless of vaccination status
• Minimizing close physical interaction during social gatherings and organized activities
• Implementing frequent handwashing
• Seeking out testing when sick; or if exposed to others who are ill; as advised by your doctor; or to abide by travel requirements

The Stamford Health Department is reminding residents that the strongest protection against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated

"We are imploring residents who have not yet received the vaccine for themselves or their children or need boosters to do so to minimize the risk of hospitalization or even death as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Director of Health Jody Bishop-Pullan in a news release. "However, those who are vaccinated should still wear a face mask in public indoor spaces such as grocery and retail stores, building lobbies, and offices to combat the spread of the virus."

Face masks/facial coverings are required regardless of vaccination status, in the following circumstances:

• On public transport such as buses and trains, inside train stations, in airports, and while in ride share vehicles
• Inside schools and childcare facilities as directed by State authorities
• Congregate facilities, such as nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms/residences, and correctional facilities
• In Stamford Municipal facilities where there is direct interaction between employees and the public
• Any private business location that instituted a mask requirement

Individuals experiencing any of the following symptoms should stay home and get tested for COVID-19:

• Sore throat, even if mild
• New onset headache, even if mild
• Congestion, with or without a runny nose
• New onset cough, even if infrequent
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever of 100.4 or higher
• Fatigue
• Chills or feeling feverish, with or without increased body temperature
• Loss of taste or smell
• Muscle or body aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

For up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including guidance and other resources, visit the state's website.

For more information on vaccination and testing sites in Stamford, go to the city's website.