October 14, 2020
Dear Residents,
I am both saddened and concerned to report that over this past week Madison has seen an increase in active COVID-19 cases in our community. We now have a total of 6 active cases which span several age groups, although thankfully none are hospitalized. This recent spike in positive cases should act as a warning sign for us that community spread can ramp up very quickly and that we must remain vigilant in preventing spread of the virus. The Madison Health Department continues to track positive COVID-19 cases through contact tracing to determine how many of these cases may be connected and what behaviors may be causing these increases. We know COVID can also be transmitted asymptotically, which is why it is critically important for residents to always wear face coverings in public. If someone is feeling symptomatic, they should get tested and quarantine while awaiting results. If you receive a positive test result, it is very important that you contact the Madison Health Department as soon as possible at (203) 245-5614.
Madison is not alone in experiencing an increase in positive cases. Yesterday, Connecticut’s positive test rate for COVID-19 increased to 2.4%, the highest positivity rate since June. Much of this uptick is being attributed to social gatherings, not businesses or schools, since people tend to let down their guard in more informal settings. The State has issued advisories for town’s experiencing a troubling uptick, most recently New London, and continues to expand its nationwide travel advisory list to include 36 states. If you visit any state on the list for more than 24 hours, you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days or test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours. To get the most updated policy information, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Travel.
Many have reached out to me about the Town’s plan for Halloween activities. The Madison Police Department, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, will be organizing a modified version of Trunk or Treat on October 31st at the Surf Club from 3 to 5 p.m. This event will require pre-registration for vehicles wishing to give out treats, and involve a drive through format for kids and their families. Please visit the Madison Chamber of Commerce website for more information. For questions regarding other traditional Halloween activities, the Town recommends parents follow the guidelines recently issued for Halloween by Connecticut’s Department of Public Health.
As many of you are aware, the Town Clerk’s office is busy sending out absentee ballots to all registered voters who submitted a completed application. Completed ballots can be returned either by mail to 8 Campus Drive, Madison, or by placing it in the secure drop box located outside of Town Hall at the Town Campus (in the circle driveway across from the gym). If you have not yet applied for an Absentee Ballot, please check the Town Clerk’s website for more information. If you choose to vote in person on November 3rd, please remember that District 1 voting has been moved from the Senior Center to Polson Middle School (the old Hand high school) located at 302 Green Hill Road; District 2 voting will take place as in previous years at Brown Intermediate School at 980 Durham Road. Polls on election day will be modified for social distancing and stay open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please note that the Senior Center will only be used for Election Day Registration on November 3rd. No other voting will occur at this location.
We continue to urge all residents to sign up for the Town’s new communications system called Madison Alerts, which will provide important community information, as well as the First Selectwoman updates. You can subscribe through the town website at https://www.madisonct.org/MadisonAlerts.
Let’s get our town back on track. Complacency in any social setting, large or small, can lead to a resurgence, jeopardize the continued re-opening of our businesses and schools, and threaten the health and welfare of our most vulnerable citizens. As always, wash your hands frequently and continue to follow state directives on social distancing and mask wearing, both indoors and outside, particularly when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Stay safe and healthy Madison.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman