Dear Residents,
Madison currently has 74 active COVID-19 cases in our community, with 3 residents currently hospitalized and three new fatalities. Our sympathies are with those residents and their families who have suffered from this horrible disease. Of these active cases, 6 are associated with long-term care facilities. This past Monday, Madison Public Schools returned back to full in-person learning for grades K-8, and hybrid learning for students at Daniel Hand High School. The District has 11 active cases, including students and staff. Unfortunately, we are starting to see community spread grow as a result of holiday travel and family gatherings over the winter break. It is very important that those who travelled to locations on the State’s travel advisory list, who are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, or who have come into close contact with a known positive case, get tested as soon as possible in order to stop the spread.
The Town continues to vaccinate our Phase 1A First Responders, in line with Connecticut’s vaccine distribution plan developed by the Vaccine Allocation Committee. Phase 1A includes medical first responders, healthcare workers and seniors living in congregate settings. Currently, the Town does not have detailed guidance on vaccine roll-out for Phase 1B and beyond. However, over the next few weeks, we can expect more information from the state about eligibility, timeline, and distribution. Please visit www.ct.gov/covidvaccine for the most up-to-date information.
The Town understands that vaccine accessibility is essential, especially for our most vulnerable populations, and will provide residents with important information as it becomes available. To receive the most up-to-date information, please make sure you are subscribed to Madison Alerts, at https://www.madisonct.org/MadisonAlerts. Madison Alerts can be received via email, text or phone call, and offers a smartphone app called Everbridge. Starting next week, this will also include weekly robocalls (similar to those delivered last spring) for those who choose to receive community updates through a recorded message. For those people who do not have access to a computer or smart phone, please contact the Madison Senior Center at (203) 245- 5627 for assistance.
The Community Health Center continues to operate a free COVID-19 testing site at Hammonasset Beach State Park. The site is open 7 days a week on a first come, first-served basis, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is located in the park campgrounds. Testing is available to people with or without symptoms, and to all ages, including children with parental or guardian consent. No appointments or fees are required. Results are expected to take 3-5 days. To save time, print and complete the registration form found at www.chc1.com/COVIDTEST in advance for each person being tested. Please contact Madison’s Health Department at (203) 245-5681 as soon as you receive a positive test result so we can begin the contact tracing process.
Sadly, the first week of 2021 has been a challenging one on so many levels. However, as horrific and heartbreaking recent national events have been for all of us, I remain hopeful that we can and will unite together as a town, state and nation to overcome this difficult chapter in our long history as a community and a nation.
Stay safe and healthy Madison.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman