Good evening, this is First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons with today’s weekly update.
Madison currently has 36 active COVID-19 cases and two residents hospitalized; we can be grateful that we continue to have no new fatalities. As of yesterday, Madison Public Schools had 11 active cases, including students and staff. Although the number of active cases continue to decline across the state, the case numbers in Madison are disappointing. Community spread is still occurring; we must not let our guard down against this horrible disease. It is important to continue to wear a mask in public, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. These messages are just as true today as they were a year ago when this pandemic began.
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the Governor’s declaration of a public health emergency in our state. It has been a long, difficult year for all of us. Some of us have lost jobs, been separated from loved ones, or experienced a painful loss in our families. Our lives have been transformed and we have had to change the way we live and focus on different priorities. We could not have made it through this past year without the professionalism and dedication of our first responders and healthcare workers, or the support of our families, friends, and neighbors. We came together as a community and should be assured that we are on our way to a strong recovery.
I am grateful to announce that an estimated 34% of Madison’s total population has received a first dose of their vaccine, 85% of residents age 65-74, and almost all of our 75 and over population. We have also provided first dose vaccines to a vast majority of our educators. The Senior Center continues to reach out to some of our most vulnerable residents to assist them in getting vaccinated. Please contact them at (203) 245–5627 if you or any senior you know is having difficulty getting vaccinated. We also hope to offer more vaccination opportunities locally to the general public as supplies increase in the coming weeks. I want to assure residents that we will not rest until everyone in Town has access to the vaccine.
As a reminder, starting March 22nd, people 45 years and older will be eligible to get vaccinated. All age-based eligible residents can make appointments to get vaccinated at sites throughout the state, including some area pharmacies, several major hospitals, and by calling the state COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist line at (877) 918-2224. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination locations in Connecticut, please visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
Stay safe and healthy Madison.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman