Good evening, this is First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons with today’s weekly update.
Madison currently has 56 active COVID-19 cases in our community, with 5 residents hospitalized and 1 new fatality. Our sympathies are with those residents and their families who have suffered from this horrible disease. As of yesterday, Madison Public Schools had 18 active cases, including students and staff. Community spread remains very active so 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.
Next week the Town will be completing the first of two shots of the vaccine for those individuals who qualify for Phase 1a of Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout. In addition, the Governor announced that Phase 1b will begin this Monday, January 18th. Right now residents over the age of 75 are being prioritized in this phase and can now schedule vaccine appointments through several channels:
- Healthcare Provider: Many residents will be contacted to schedule an appointment by their healthcare provider if their provider is participating in the state’s vaccine program. Not all providers are administering the vaccine so please check the list of participating providers available at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Residents are urged not to contact their physician or healthcare provider directly for COVID vaccine appointments.
- Online: Individuals in the 75 and up population can also schedule an appointment through the web-based Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). A form can be accessed online at ct.gov/covidvaccine.
- Telephone: Those without internet access can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224, which is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additional information on eligibility and roll-out for other populations in Phase 1b can be found on the Town website at http://www.madisonct.org/vaccine.
As announced on Wednesday, the Madison Senior Center is conducting a survey of Madison residents 65 and older who want to receive the vaccine. You will NOT be registered for the vaccine by completing the survey, but the Town will be using this information to help plan possible local vaccination clinics in the future. Please make every effort to complete the survey on the Town website www.madisonct.org/vaccine. If you do not have access to the internet or encounter issues when completing the survey, please contact the Senior Center at (203) 245–5627.
Stay safe and healthy Madison.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman