The city is looking for anyone with experience in health care to join the Medical Reserve Corps and help the city prepare for a surge in coronavirus cases.
The City of New Haven's coronavirus cases have now increased to 71 and Mayor Justin Elicker is planning to close all of the city's playgrounds at schools and parks in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.
New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond said she received the city's most updated numbers on Sunday, which shows 71 confirmed positive coronavirus cases.
Of those 71 cases, she said 41 percent are people between the ages of 25 and 49 and 31 percent are 65 years or older. She did not release details on the other 28 percent of patients.
Elicker also said he is closing down the playgrounds at the city's public schools and parks after getting multiple complaints of large gatherings there.
The city has reminded the public about the importance of social distancing, but some people still haven't listened. If there are fences around the playgrounds, they will be closed and locked. If not, there will be signs saying they are closed.
Elicker said it will be challenging to enforce the closures and that they are not planning on arresting or fining anyone, but said they will send police out if they get reports of lots of people gathering.
All briefings are uploaded to the Mayor’s YouTube Page at bit.ly/MayorYouTube.
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The state of Connecticut has had more than 1,500 confirmed cases and at least 33 deaths.
Coronavirus Symptoms
The key symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the CDC are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms can appear in infected persons two to 14 days after exposure.
Coronavirus Prevention Steps
Steps for prevention from the CDC include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, such as to the grocery store
- Coverings should not be placed on children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a health care worker
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Steps to Self-Monitor for Coronavirus
Steps to self-monitor from the CDC include:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
If you do get sick with a fever, cough or have trouble breathing, call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and communicate with your doctor about your recent travel.
- If you develop symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
The CDC has a special website set up with details about the coronavirus, including how it spreads and treatment.
Anyone with questions relating to coronavirus can call 2-1-1 or text "CTCOVID" to 898211. The 2-1-1 hotline is available 24 hours a day.
You can also visit the state's coronavirus information website here. Residents are encouraged to check the website for answers to questions before calling the hotline.
