This evening, Monday, November 16, New Canaan First Selectman Kevin Moynihan provided a coronavirus update reporting that over the weekend, there was a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases with 25 new positive test results.
"The cases vary in ages from under 10 to mid-80’s, so community transmission is occurring more rapidly across all age demographics. This rapid increase over the weekend illustrates how fast community transmission spreads and accelerates," he said.
For complete information and to view updated charts about our COVID-19 cases since March please see the COVID-19 page of our website at www.newcanaan.info.
Moynihan said that 344 residents, teachers and Town employees participated in Friday's community testing at Lapham Center. The testing event produced only 5 positive results, or a positivity rate of 1.45%.
Testing this Friday, November 20th at Lapham Center from 8 am to 4 pm
The Town has arranged for Physician One Urgent Care to conduct voluntary testing for the community again this Friday, November 20th at Lapham Center from 8 am to 4 pm. The testing will be walk in (not drive through) with a PCR short nasal swab. To get tested you must register online at https://physicianoneurgentcare.com/new-canaan-testing/ by completing the simple registration form and paying the $90 testing fee by linking over to the Town’s secure payment portal. This fee must be paid in advance and is required as part of your registration.
This testing site is not covered by health plans. There is no prescription required but you must pre-register, pay the $90 fee, and receive an appointment time. Test results take up to 72 hours and will be sent via CareEvolve email account so please be sure to check your spam folders.
Conducting mass testing of hundreds of residents will give us a much more accurate data point of what our positivity rate truly is. The only way to catch asymptomatic spreaders is to test, isolate, and quarantine close contacts. This is a vital public health measure to stop the spread of COVID 19 and in turn keep our schools and businesses open as long as possible.
If you have children in any of the schools or daycares please contact them immediately upon receiving a positive test result in order for them to begin their part of the contact tracing. You may also report any positive cases directly to the New Canaan Health Department at 203-594-3037.
As a reminder, if you are symptomatic please do not attend work, school, or any public or private gathering. The symptoms for COVID-19 vary and some symptoms include: new loss of sense of smell or taste, sore throat, shortness of breath, dry cough, fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, and congestion. For a complete list of COVID 19 symptoms please visit www.cdc.gov. We want to stress to all residents how important it is to recognize symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested.
With the continued spread of the virus we strongly encourage seniors to avoid crowded areas, gatherings, and remain safely at home. Seniors should contact our Human Services Department at 203-594-3093 if you need assistance with grocery shopping, prescription pickup or other services. Seniors can also contact Lapham Center at 203- 594-3620 to find out what online social events and classes are currently being offered via Zoom.
We encourage all residents to get tested and help us stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. And please do your part in controlling the spread by wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and maintaining social distance.
Stay safe, New Canaan.