Masks and Vaccinations Recommended as Delta Variant Surges in North Haven
As North Haven recently entered the red zone for COVID cases, the Quinnipiac Valley Health District (QVHD) announced its support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Health’s recommendation that everyone—including fully vaccinated individuals—wear a mask in public indoor settings to reduce the spread of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 and to protect the community.
North Haven is one of nearly three dozen municipalities in the state that have entered the red zone, according to the State of Connecticut’s average daily rate map. The red towns have a rate of 15 or more cases per 100,000. North Haven’s rate is 16, with 53 cases reported between July 25 and Aug. 7. For full statistics, visit portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-data-tracker.
“North Haven has seen a rapid increase in cases over the past several weeks from an average daily rate of less than 5 per 100,000, which is considered low transmission, to where we stand now,” said Avery Gartman, the lead contact tracer at QVHD.
Gartman noted that the Delta variant is two times as contagious as previous variants, but that the vaccines have proven effective in helping to protect vaccinated individuals from severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
“Despite seeing case numbers similar to the surge we experienced last summer, deaths are down more than 70 percent thanks to vaccination,” said Gartman. “Getting vaccinated will also help reduce the spread of virus within our communities.”
According to the QVHD, 78.54 percent of North Haven’s population has been vaccinated with at least one dose, including 59 percent of ages 12 to 17, 85.16 percent of ages 18 to 24, 90.57 percent of ages 25 to 44, 84.42 percent of ages 45 to 64, and 100 percent of ages 65 and older. Visit covidvaccinefinder.ct.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you.
“While North Haven’s vaccination numbers are high in comparison to many other Connecticut towns, continuing to remain vigilant is essential in preventing the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19,” said Gartman. “Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of the virus in communities.”
With the rise of continuing COVID cases, First Selectman Mike Freda has requested that town employees and those entering town buildings wear masks regardless of vaccination status.
“The governor has given mayors and first selectmen the ability to issue further mandates within the community, but I’ve chosen not to do that,” said Freda. “I believe that the businesses in town understand their employees, customers, and clients and I trust that they’ll make the right decision for their individual businesses.”
While Freda’s ability to instate mask mandates does not extend to North Haven Public Schools, he said he frequently meets with Superintendent of Schools Patrick Stirk. Governor Ned Lamont recently announced that masks will continue to be mandated for students and staff regardless of vaccination status in all public schools through at least Sept. 30.
The Town of North Haven recently wrapped up its Concerts Under the Stars series, which Freda said were well-attended.
“People are delighted to be outside and they’re enjoy thing themselves,” said Freda. “I’ve always tried to balance safety with not shutting the town down, ensuring we can allow our citizens to live normal lives without governmental restrictions and we can continue to have events and open meetings.”
Freda noted that nearly all town meetings, which only just recently reopened to the public, now allow the public to attend and comment. The only exception is the Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, which have remained on Zoom as “they’re finishing off a controversial application that began on Zoom with hundreds involved,” said Freda.
With talk of a third shot being necessary, Freda is keeping his eye on that topic. He will be in touch with the QVHD about the possibility of hosting another vaccination clinic in town should that happen.
“I’m watching what’s going on with the third shot closely,” said Freda. “We are not mandating people get vaccinated, but we do encourage people to consider being vaccinated for their own safety. For those who choose to, there are plenty of opportunities and outlets to do so. I will always try to help the people in North Haven and offer them resources for their safety, but I will never attempt to dictate to people what they should do in their personal lives.”
There are concerns about the possibility of rising cases as the weather cools and more activities move indoors. Gartman stressed the importance of wearing a mask “correctly and consistently” indoors.
“SARS-CoV-2 virus is spread when a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. When an infected person has been indoors, the virus can remain suspended in the air for minutes up to hours,” said Gartman. “With more people indoors, there are more opportunities for individuals to come into close contact with someone who may be contagious. With vaccinations, masking, social distancing, proper ventilation, and other mitigation strategies, the spread of the virus can be limited, even in indoor settings.”