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01/03/2022 11:00 PMJust as life was starting to get back to normal with more in-person events and meetings, COVID-19 cases have risen in the area. Data from the Connecticut River Area Health District (CRAHD) shows that cases have continued to dramatically rise in Clinton, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook.
Between Nov. 16 and Dec. 13, 93 people in Clinton tested positive for the virus. Over that same period, Old Saybrook had 89 confirmed cases.
Case rate figures provided by the Westbrook Health Department show an alarming rise. From Nov. 21 to Dec. 4, Westbrook had a 33.6 Average Case Daily Rate per 100,000 population. Through the timeframe of Nov. 28 to Dec. 11, Westbrook had a 40.6 Average Daily Case Rate per 100,000 population. A rate of 15 or more qualifies a municipality as in a red zone of infections.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH) has tracked increased spread of the virus in the state during the same period. COVID cases by town can be tracked at portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-data-tracker.
CRAHD Director of Health Scott Martinson pointed out that the state as a whole has an increase in cases.
“It bounces up and down, however the trend is upward locally and statewide,” said Martinson.
According to week by week break down of the data for the towns, the week of Nov. 25, which was Thanksgiving, is when the towns saw a spike in cases. That spike has continued in the three weeks after Thanksgiving.
Westbrook Director of Health Zach Faiella said that there is a multitude of factors that are likely contributing to the increased rise in cases.
“The colder weather is bringing more people inside to gather, where COVID-19 will transmit easier. We did experience a similar seasonal spike in cases last year around this time as well,” said Faiella.
Faiella also noted that people may be more lax about taking protective measures than they were last year at this time.
“And understandably so—people are COVID-fatigued and may not be making the best pandemic-related decisions during this current case surge we’re experiencing, such as not wearing a mask in indoor public settings, gathering in large crowds, and going to work while sick,” said Faiella.
“While this case surge continues, it’s important for people to use the simple tools and preventive illness measures we know work, and that’s getting vaccinated if you are not, getting your booster if you’re eligible, wearing a mask in indoor public settings, social distancing, avoiding gathering in large crowds with people from outside your household, and staying home if you’re sick,” Faiella continued.
While the new omicron variant has begun to spread around the country, Martinson said that it is not to blame at this time for the local rise in cases.
“DPH has not identified the omicron variant in our area yet. I suspect we will see it soon,” said Martinson.
Additionally, Martinson and Faiella both said that while the spike in cases has been seen in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, the vaccinated are having better results avoiding severe outcomes with the virus.
“Get vaccinated and if you are already vaccinated, make sure you get your recommended booster dose,” said Martinson.
Faiella pointed out the stark differences between the outcomes for vaccinated and the not vaccinated in the state.
“It’s important to note that for the week beginning Dec. 5, state data shows that the risk of unvaccinated persons testing positive for COVID-19 as compared to fully vaccinated persons is 5.5 times greater and the risk of unvaccinated persons dying from COVID-19 as compared to fully vaccinated persons is 20 times greater,” Faiella said.
Faiella stressed that it’s important that to mitigate the spread that people stay home from work or school if they begin showing symptoms, even if they’re slight.
“The symptoms from some of our most recent resident COVID-19 cases have presented themselves as a minor scratchy throat, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. These symptoms should not be ignored, and instead residents should take steps to get themselves or their children tested, and stay home until they’re feeling better,” said Faiella.
All Connecticut residents ages 5 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. Available appointments can be found at portal.ct.gov/Vaccine-Portal.