This information is provided as part of our ongoing communication with residents regarding COVID-19. I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well.
Pandemic Update – There has been a continued significant uptick in COVID-19 cases in East Granby. While it was not unexpected due to the holidays, it still is a concern. To put things in perspective from March 2020 to November 2020 there were 31 cases and since that time there have been 168 cases. With a two-week rolling average of 40.80 mmmmmmmm cases per 10,000 residents, East Granby remains in the “red zone”. This designation calls for increased vigilance when it comes to gatherings, mask wearing and social distancing. Based on contact tracing completed by the Farmington Valley Health District, we understand that most of the new cases were clustered in single households where small gatherings with families and friends were held.
It is very important to note that we are monitoring not only the absolute number of cases and the case rate, but also the context of the circumstances under which the cases are occurring, as we work collaboratively to take steps to mitigate the spread of the virus in the community. Preventing an increase will require a community-wide effort and we must all do our part.
By the Numbers – Please note that while the spike in COVID cases in our town reflects trends elsewhere, the surge is significant. Here are some East Granby specific numbers:
- March 2020 to February 8, 2021 – 199 positive COVID cases
- March 17 to October 31, 2020 – 31 cases in seven months
- November 1 to December 31, 2020 – 99 cases in two months (50% of all cases occurred in this time frame)
- January 1 to January 31, 2021 – 61 cases in twenty-six days (30% of all cases occurred in the month of January)
- February 1 to February 8, 2021 – 8 cases in eight days
- The cumulative positivity rate has increased from 4.90% in mid-December to 7.79% at the present time. (Positivity rate equals positive individuals divided by residents tested per 1,000 cases).
Resident Request – We ask that residents continue to take the following measures which will help turn back the surge and prevent the need for more restrictive actions:
- Remember the three W’s: wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance!
- Stay home if you are sick and seek testing if you have any symptoms.
- Limit trips outside home and avoid gatherings with non-family members.
- Consider postponing indoor social activities along with outdoor activities where mask wearing, and social distancing cannot be maintained.
Schools – The Farmington Valley Health District continues to support the in-person instructional learning model for East Granby Schools. The transition from hybrid to in-person learning did not contribute to the increase in COVID-19 cases in town. Should the data or the context surrounding the data cause a heightened concern for in-person learning, the Health District will advise accordingly. Governor Lamont has stated that it is important for schools to remain open and communities should work together to ensure that districts can operate with in-person learning for as long as possible.
Vaccinations – Effective Thursday February 11, 2021 with the expansion of phase 1B rollout of the vaccine, residents over 65 year of age will be able to schedule appointments to receive the vaccine. The vaccine is available through: Your Health Care Provider (not all providers are administering the vaccine go to ct.gov/covidvaccine to check); Online Accessat ct.gov/covidvaccine to schedule an appointment; and by Telephone for those without internet access – 877-918-2224. More information is available on the ct.gov/covidvaccine website.
Assistance – Social and Senior Services have been identifying food insecurity, financial and social issues in the community and are working with residents to address them. For more information call Senior Services (860-413-3334), Social Services (860-413-3328) or email [email protected]. The town has also established a Long-Term Recovery Committee which is assessing COVID impacts and will recommend solutions to the Board of Selectmen regarding long-term community needs regarding food insecurity, job loss, social isolation, and small business support.
We understand that the past ten+ months have been difficult for everyone and I am grateful for the strength and resilience of our community during these challenging times. Thank you in advance for your continued vigilance.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Town at (860-413-3301), the Board of Education at (860-653-6486) or the Farmington Valley Health District at 860-352-2333 with questions. Stay safe and be well.
Jim Hayden – First Selectman