Coronavirus Update- Vaccine Information, FAQs & Case Data

January 12^th-As we receive more information about Phases 1B and 1C, it is important to remember:

• Currently and at least in the short-term, the supply of the vaccine is limited. 
• Appointments may not be immediately available.
• An expanded Phase 1B will be much longer in duration than the original 10- week estimate, meaning some residents may not receive their initial dose until 6 or more weeks into an expanded Phase 1B. 

If you missed last night’s update, it included information on forthcoming phone and online appointment reservation options for residents aged 75 and above for appointments beginning on January 18th.  Please read it here.  

At today’s meeting of the Governor’s Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group, a consensus was reached to recommend the following to the Governor for the expansion of Phase 1B:

• Direct CT DPH to adopt a phased roll-in approach for an expanded Phase 1B based on risk of mortality and increased risk for severe illness and explicitly address equity and disparate impact within the phase.  This would likely mean Phase 1B would begin on Monday for only those aged 75 and above.  Other eligible groups would be rolled-in during the phase. 

• Add to Phase 1B individuals aged 65 and above.
• Add to Phase 1B those aged 16 to 64 with at least one condition that puts individuals at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, as defined by the CDC.

We expect the Governor to respond to the recommendations this week.  The phased roll-in approach was recommended as the Group was concerned that the additional groups not negatively delay access to the vaccine for those already approved for Phase 1B.

 As of this morning, the CDC reported the following for Connecticut:

• 250,775 doses of vaccines delivered.
• 151,395 initial doses administered.
• 4.2% of the state’s population had received an initial dose.  

The following are recent questions from residents:

• Is the COVID-19 vaccine free?  Yes, there is no charge for the vaccine.
• Must I receive my vaccine in the town in which I reside:  During Phase 1A, qualified individuals may choose any available time at any available location. The same is expected for the upcoming Phase 1B.
• Does our Health Director’s guidance of a 14-day quarantine for Wilton Public Schools staff and students exposed, with no symptoms, differ from the CDC guidance?  No.  Despite suggesting possible alternatives for local health districts, the CDC continues to recommend a 14-day quarantine period. 
• Are the playgrounds open?  All town and school playgrounds are open. Please see the Town’s reopening plan for Phase 2.1 here for the status of all town-owned properties.

The following is data, as of 8:30 p.m. last night, from today’s CT DPH report versus yesterday’s January 11^th report:

• Wilton:  12 new cases reported. 685 cases PTD. 
• Statewide:  3,689 new cases.  10.72% of the 34,422 new tests reported were positive.  217,047 cases PTD.
• Fairfield County:  993 new cases.  64,066 cases PTD.
• Hospitalized Patients:  Statewide, 1,154 with a 12-net patient increase. Fairfield County, 284 with a 3-net patient increase.
• Deaths:  Statewide, 6,449 with 31 new deaths.  Fairfield County, 1,806 with 9 new deaths.  Wilton, 45, with no new deaths.  

The following chart shows the distribution of known cases by age for the previous periods and the current 7-day period.  Newly known cases ranged in age from 5 to 59.

With the uptick in cases and the variant strain of the virus found in Connecticut, please exercise extra caution and behave as if you have the virus and as if those around you do as well.

5 W’s

• Watch your distance
• Wear a mask/face covering when you can’t maintain 6 feet of distance whether indoors or outside
• Walk, run or bike to the right in single file when passing another person on the NRVT, sidewalks and trails
• Wait to host indoor gatherings
• Wash your hands

If you have a question, please email me at lynne.vanderslice@wiltonct.org

Lynne Vanderslice

First Selectwoman