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01/03/2022 11:00 PMOnline update: After press time, the Town of East Haven announced COVID at home rapid test kit distribution would take place on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at East Haven High School, 35 Wheelbarrow Lane, from 5 to 7 p.m. or until supplies are depleted. Early arrivals will be turned away. For more information about test kit distribution visit www.townofeasthavenct.org.
The COVID pandemic, now entering its third calendar year, has led East Haven into 2022 with disrupted plans and a new Town Hall closure.
After being informed by Governor Ned Lamont that the State of Connecticut would be distributing COVID-19 at home rapid test kits to communities in the area last week, the Town of East Haven began planning the logistics. The planning was for naught, though, as the shipments were first announced as delayed and then the state announced its bid was not awarded.
In an Everbridge notification, Mayor Joe Carfora confirmed that the distribution, which had been scheduled for Dec. 31, was canceled. Residents can sign up for Everbridge alerts on the town’s website, townofeasthavenct.org.
“Unfortunately, due to this delay and no guarantee when they will arrive, the distribution scheduled for Friday, Dec. 31 at the East Haven High School is postponed until we receive further information,” the message stated.
“The governor did say that the state got in front of themselves a bit on this,” Carfora told the Courier. “We, along with our surrounding towns, scheduled distribution programs based on the information that the state provided us. When the delivery did not occur naturally we had to cancel. I do know the state is working diligently to procure as many kits as possible, and to get them in our hands. Once that occurs we intend to reschedule our distribution program. As always, we ask that everyone abide by CDC, Connecticut Department of Public Health, and East Shore [District] Health [Department] safety and protection protocols.”
In addition to the cancellation of the test distribution, Carfora announced that as of Jan. 3, East Haven Town Hall would be closed to the public with services available by appointment only. The closure comes as a result of the rise in COVID cases in East Haven and the surrounding area. Updates will be provided on a weekly basis.
There will be no in-person title searches at the Town Clerk’s office, though searches can be performed at www.searchiqs.com. In-person services including notary public and marriage license applications are suspended at this time.
Tax payments can be processed online, though a service fee will apply. Payments can also be mailed with a postmark date no later than Feb. 1. Building permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis and by appointment only. Field cards can be obtained on the town’s website.
According to State of Connecticut’s COVID-19 Data Tracker, from Dec. 12 to 25, there were 438 new cases reported for a 109.5 rate per 100,000. Every town except Canaan in Connecticut is currently in the Red Zone, which means there are 15 or more cases per 100,000 residents.
The COVID tracker on the East Haven Public Schools (EHPS) website, www.east-haven.k12.ct.us, reported the cumulative cases for the year prior to the break, which included 33 staff cases and 143 student cases. EHPS announced it would not send notification or update the tracker over the holiday break with both resuming on Jan. 3 when school was back in session.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is in the process of adding seven more community testing sites to its current roster of 23 state-sponsored sites. Information on the approximately 400 COVID-19 testing sites currently operating in Connecticut is available by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211CT.org.
Conducting Town Business
While town offices are closed to the public, town business is continuing. To connect with town departments, visit www.townofeasthavenct.org or call:
Mayor’s Office: 203-468-3204
Town Clerk: 203-468-3201
Tax Office: 203-468-3307
Building Department: 203-468-3216
Assessor’s Office: 203-468-3233
Planning & Zoning: 203-468-3357
Town Attorney: 203-404-5155
Probate Office: 203-468-3895