In the past 13 days, 168 Darien residents have acquired COVID-19 cases, as far as authorities know, and with holiday gatherings, more is expected, First Selectman Monica McNally told the town in a late Wednesday afternoon Code Red message.
“COVID cases are on the rise,” she said.
Meanwhile, McNally said, some town residents are concerned about the availability of testing, the cost and heavy traffic at the sites. “I am working with the director of health to possibly add a second testing site in Darien,” she said.
“If you are 16 or older and it has been at least six months since your second dose, you are strongly encouraged to get a booster,” the first selectman said. The town plans to add more clinics in Darien for booster shots on both Tuesday, Jan. 4 and Saturday, Jan. 8.
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SEE ALSO: Superintendent: School District Might Return to Remote Learning as Omicron Variant Spreads More COVID-19 in Darien (Dec. 21)
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McNally gave out information on where residents can find other testing locations out of town, and she added that appointments will be farther into the future at the no-cost locations.
“I am also aware that over-the-counter rapid tests are in short supply,” she added.
First Selectman’s Code Red Message on COVID-19
Good evening. This is First Selectman Monica McNally with a COVID-19 update for Wednesday, Dec. 22.
We have 168 new cases since my last update on Dec. 9. Darien Public Schools report 94 active cases and a total of 294 cases since the start of the school year.
The holidays mean more travel and indoor gatherings, which are often the main causes of COVID spread. Therefore, we expect to see an increase in cases in the coming weeks.
The testing center in the Leroy parking lot has a revised holiday schedule, which is posted to the town website. I am aware of concerns about the availability of testing sites, test costs and the heavy traffic at testing centers, and I am working with the Director of Health to possibly add a second testing site in Darien.
There are 370 private testing sites and 24 no cost State testing sites throughout Connecticut. All test centers are listed on the 211ct.org website. There is generally a longer wait time to get an appointment at a no-cost clinic.
I am also aware that over-the-counter rapid tests are in short supply. You may be able to locate a rapid test by searching brands online and then checking the option to “locate a store near me”.
COVID cases are on the rise. If you are 16 or older and it has been at least six months since your second dose, you are strongly encouraged to get a booster. Additional Darien booster clinics are planned for Tuesday, Jan. 4 and Saturday, Jan. 8.
Critical to holding these clinics is the ability to adequately staff them with vaccinators and volunteers. If you, or someone you know, can help, please contact the Health Department, we want to hear from you! In the meantime, you may register through VAMS, CVS’s or Walgreen’s websites for a booster. Should you be unable to keep a scheduled appointment with any provider, please notify them as soon as possible- even if it’s last minute. Someone else misses out on getting the booster with every no-show appointment.
If you are fully vaccinated, including a booster shot, and you’re wondering what to do if you test positive for COVID, the answer is quarantine for ten days- even if you are asymptomatic.
If you plan to attend service at a house of worship over the holidays, please check on masking protocols because they vary.
As we close out 2021, I wish you good health and much happiness in 2022.
From the Darien Health Department Main Web Page:
- Vaccination rates are very high – almost 99% of eligible Darien residents have been fully vaccinated.
Upcoming COVID Clinics:
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- Information for Pediatric COVID Clinics through Stamford Health can be found here
- Community Health Center’s (CHC) —Mobile Vaccine Events
- Information on COVID clinics (pediatric and booster) in Norwalk click here
Other Links
—How Do I Get My Vaccination Certificate?
—CDC Provides Holiday COVID Guidance
—CDC Guidance on Self-Test Kits
—CDC Recommends COVID Boosters for People with Certain Medical Conditions –
—CDC Guidance for Families with Vaccinated & Unvaccinated Members