Stamford Is Entering A New Phase Of The Pandemic: Mayor Simmons

STAMFORD, CT — On Tuesday evening, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons gave an update on COVID-19 ahead of the expiration of the city's mask mandate on Wednesday.

Simmons said that while cases and hospitalizations continue to decline, residents should still be cautious and vigilant.

"I'm so proud of where we are as a city. While we still need to remain vigilant, I think it's pretty incredible what we've overcome these past two years, and that we're in such a good place now," Simmons said. "But please remember to be cautious. Wearing masks is still recommended indoors in certain circumstances. We're still encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, get boosted, get tested, and to be vigilant so we can continue to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever."

According to the latest data, Stamford's seven-day positivity rate is at 6.3 percent, down from an eye-opening 38 percent a month ago. Cases per 100,000 residents on a seven-day average have also dropped precipitously, from 334 a month go to 16.8 on Feb. 15.

"Especially with warmer weather coming, we're really optimistic for the spring and summer ahead," Simmons added.

In Fairfield County, hospitalizations have also dropped in recent weeks. As of Feb. 15, there were 81 COVID-19 patients being treated in the county, compared to a high of 504 in January.

Dr. Henry Yoon, Stamford's medical advisor, said the majority of COVID-19 inpatients are either not vaccinated, not boosted, or partially vaccinated.

"I think that's very telling," he said, while noting that breakthrough cases are occurring.

Stamford's Acting Health Director Jody Bishop-Pullan said unvaccinated individuals are 3.2 times more likely to get COVID-19, and 13.9 times more likely to be hospitalized.

For more information on COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites in Stamford, click here.

Simmons thanked the public for adhering to the most recent masking mandate, which was in effect from Dec. 21, 2021 to Feb. 15. Simmons reminded residents that businesses can set their own masking policy, and masks are still required in hospitals, nursing homes, health care and childcare facilities, schools, municipal buildings and on public transit.

The Stamford Board of Education met Tuesday night to discuss masking, and Pullan recommended that the district's mask mandate stay in place until March 15. The board didn't take a vote on changing the policy. They're expected to meet next week.

"We're really starting to enter a new phase of the pandemic. This is largely due to the incredible cooperation of the public," Simmons said. "I want to thank everyone for being so devoted to our community and doing what's right."