Dear Members,

Over the weekend we saw the first diagnosed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Connecticut. As the disease spreads around the world and in the United States, we are monitoring the situation and turning to the CDC, the State of Connecticut and the Central Connecticut Health District (CCHD) for guidance on our response.

The CDC has identified older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. According to the CDC, early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.

If you are at higher risk, the CDC is recommending that you take the following actions:

• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications, food, and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds.

The CCHD has strongly suggested that senior centers discontinue non-essential programs in the midst of community spread of this disease.  While the risk for transmission may seem low, the consequences of infection are very high.  So, in an abundance of caution, the Senior and Disabled Center is cancelling all daytime group programs and activities with the exception of the nutrition program for the rest of the month of March.  The Center will remain open and some services will still be available. We know that some people will see this as excessive.  We also know that officials in areas that have been harder hit have said that they wish that they had acted earlier.  So, on the balance, we believe it is the right decision at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and modify our plans as appropriate. 

Please let us know if you have any needs or concerns!

As a reminder, everyone should continue to follow basic steps to keep themselves and others healthy:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoid shaking hands or hugging as a greeting.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze into your arm or with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

We will remain in close contact with state and local officials and will continue to keep you updated as this situation unfolds.  Be safe!