Good evening, this is First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons with today’s weekly update.

Madison currently has 62 active COVID-19 cases in our community, with 4 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 11 active cases, including students and staff. Community spread is still very active so please remember to follow all necessary precautions to stop the spread of this disease and to get tested when showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or if coming into close contact with a known positive case.   

The Community Health Center continues to operate a free COVID 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. To save time, print and complete the registration form found at www.chc1.com/COVIDTEST . No appointments or fees are required.  

I want to assure residents that although vaccine supplies are limited right now, there will be opportunities for everyone to eventually get a vaccine. To receive the most up-to-date information on vaccines, we encourage all residents 65 years and older to complete the Town’s vaccine survey at www.madisonct.org/vaccine.  Starting next week, the Town will be using this survey to communicate directly the most current information on eligibility, and provide details on future local vaccination clinics.

Currently, the Town is working closely with the State and our regional partners to offer a vaccine clinic in Madison for seniors, possibly as early as next week. Enrollment will be open to anybody 75 years or older who is registered in the Vaccine Management System (VAMS).  Once clinic plans are finalized, the Town will notify interested residents from the vaccine survey when this clinic would be available in the VAMS system for booking appointments.  If you are having difficulties registering in VAMS and need assistance, please contact the Senior Center at (203) 245–5627. 

Because vaccine supplies are limited right now, we encourage eligible seniors to book any available appointment in VAMS, rather than waiting for a local clinic. If you need transportation to a vaccine clinic in the towns of Madison, Clinton, Chester, Essex, East Haddam, Deep River, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Guilford or Middletown, contact 9 Town Transit at 860-443-1655 for assistance.  

I also want to remind Madison taxpayers that the Governor issued an emergency order which applies the 90-day tax deferment program to the second tax installment due January 1, 2021.   Eligible taxpayers can now pay the second tax installment without penalty by April 1, 2021. Landlords requesting a deferment for this installment must submit an application with the appropriate documentation to the tax collector by February 1.  More details are available at www.madisonct.org.

Stay safe and healthy Madison. 

Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman