Redding currently has 16 positive cases of COVID-19 as it spreads throughout the rest of the state.
Redding residents are asked to take the “Stay Safe, Stay Home” directive seriously. This virus is demonstrating that none of us are exempt from illness. We initially saw COVID-19 severely impacting the elderly, but we are starting to see some people that are younger and healthy without underlying conditions that are becoming seriously ill. This means that social distancing and social separation must apply to everyone.
Since there currently is no vaccine, distancing is the primary tool we have to cut the chain of transmission. Distancing includes not getting together with other people, working from home, and staying away (at least 6 feet) from others, especially while taking care of essential shopping needs. If we all distance effectively, the end result will be that we can think about getting back to some degree of normality sooner than later.
Behavior-wise it’s best to assume that anyone could be infected and to act accordingly with precautions. This virus is much more transmissible and it has ten times the mortality rate than seasonal flu. Unfortunately, families with a tested positive family member have found it challenging to live under the same roof and not spread the disease to loved ones.
Important Reminders
Residents exposed to a potential or confirmed COVID-19 case are asked to self-isolate for 14 days to ensure COVID-19 is not spread to others If you develop a fever and symptoms such as dry cough or difficulty breathing, the first thing you do is stay home and call your doctor for advice before going anywhere. Some doctors are now using telemedicine which is becoming a mainstay. Based on your symptoms and other information you provide your doctor will determine if you meet criteria for COVID-19 testing. Obtaining an order from your doctor is required to be tested. Those who need immediate medical assistance should call 911.
Interesting Information
A couple of points from Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious disease: When asked if you can get re-infected he stated we haven’t done specific testing to determine that but if it acts like other viruses that we’re more familiar with, the chances are overwhelming that if you get infected and recover from the infection, you are not going to get infected with the same virus.
Also when asked about warmer weather diminishing the virus he said viruses tend to do poorly in warm, moist weather and do quite well in cold, dry weather, however, we don’t know if this is going to happen with COVID-19.
Information Sources
Governor Lamont has put out a thorough FAQ document that will most likely address questions that you might have. It can be found here
Redding information can be found at: https://townofreddingct.org/
The CDC website is at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Connecticut Department of Public Health site is at: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus
Once again, we must “Stay Safe, Stay Home”.