Good evening, this is First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons with today’s weekly update.
Unfortunately, Madison currently has 27 active COVID-19 cases, with 2 residents hospitalized and no new fatalities. Two of these cases are related to a local long-term care facility. As of yesterday, Madison Public Schools had 7 active cases, including students and staff. It is important to note that while other towns across the state are seeing a decline in cases, Madison remains in the red alert category for our state. Despite all the success we’ve had with vaccinating our community so far, the virus continues to spread in our town. It remains critical that everyone, even our vaccinated residents, continue to wear a mask in public, maintain social distancing, and wash hands frequently.
I am grateful to announce that 44% of Madison’s total population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, 92% of residents aged 65 to 74 years old, and almost all of our 75 and older population. We have also been successful at providing a first dose of vaccine to almost all of our educators and local childcare providers. Madison’s Health Department and Senior Center recently launched a program to access those homebound seniors still needing to be vaccinated. If you are a Madison resident age 55 years and older, and are still having difficulty getting vaccinated, please contact the Senior Center at (203) 245–5627 for assistance.
Yesterday the Governor announced the state is moving up the date to April 1st when all adults over the age of 16 will be eligible to get vaccinated. During the month of April, the Town intends to continue to offer weekly clinics on Thursdays at the Town Campus Gym (on an appointment only basis) while supplies are available; registration for this clinic is available through VAMS. In addition, residents can make appointments to get vaccinated at sites throughout the state, including 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.
I am pleased to announce that starting Monday, April 5th Town Campus offices will be open to the general public two days a week, every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We hope to be fully open to the public five days a week in May. No appointments will be necessary during open office hours, but we encourage residents to access departmental on-line services as much as possible, and to continue to use available drop boxes located outside the entrance to Town Hall across from the Police Department. Please note that social distancing measures will be in place, and masks will be required in all town buildings. Please check the town website next week for the most up to date information on public hours and available services.
I also want to provide a final reminder to Madison property taxpayers that the Governor issued an emergency order which allows eligible taxpayers a 90-day tax deferment for the second tax installment due January 1, 2021. The last day to pay without penalty is next week on April 1, 2021. More details are available at www.madisonct.org/tax.
And lastly, the National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory today for the entire state. A storm system will move into northern New England this afternoon and bring fairly strong west winds starting this afternoon lasting until early evening. Winds could gust to 35 – 45 MPH at times between 2:00 – 8:00 pm. These fairly strong winds may bring down a few tree limbs and branches, causing a minor number of power outages.
Stay safe and healthy Madison.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman