Town officials say they’re expecting the number of positive COVID-19 virus cases to rise in the next two weeks, based on historical data.
New Canaan had a total of 14 reported positive cases in the week prior to Thursday’s Health and Human Services Commission meeting—the same figure as the week before that, according to Health Director Jenn Eielson.
“Historically, looking back at old charts, it’s next week and the week after where cases really begin to go up,” Eielson said during the appointed body’s regular meeting, held in a board room at Town Hall. “So we’ll see what happens this year.”
The comments came during Eielson’s regular update to the Commission.
Overall, cases of COVID-19 in New Canaan are down significantly from a peak in the first half of 2020, data show.
The town is offering PCR testing from 7 to 10 a.m. on Dec. 5, 7 and 9 at Irwin House (signups are here and information on what people are required to bring is here). The Health Department also has scheduled a COVID-19 vaccination clinic (first, second and booster doses) for all ages five-and-older for 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Irwin House (signup is here, info here).
Eielson said at the meeting that she didn’t expect a large uptick in the youngest age group for those shots, since the town “had a low booster rate with kids to began with, at least for the first two shots.”
Meanwhile, New Canaan as of last week also had been notified of 23 confirmed cases of seasonal flu among town residents. The figure only represents confirmed cases through doctors “so there’s probably much more than that out there,” Eielson said.
The Commissioners discussed whether flu shots have been effective this year (we’ll know better in January).
The town offers flu vaccines for New Canaan residents six months and older. “If a parent needs flu shots for their children or themselves they can contact Shannon Vallerie to schedule a flu shot appointment at the Health department,” according to the town. “There is no cost for the flu vaccine. Please contact Shannon at 203-594-3020 or via email at Shannon.vallerie@newcanaanct.gov to schedule an appointment with our nurses.”