The city of New Haven is reporting a "slight uptick" in coronavirus cases that Mayor Justin Elicker is calling "very concerning" in an e-mail Wednesday to residents.
As of Tuesday, New Haven was reporting 2,724 confirmed cases of COVID-19, an increase of 31 new cases in the last week, according to state Department of Health data.
"The City has been monitoring cases of COVID and has noticed a slight uptick in cases in the past week," Elicker said in the e-mail. "This is very concerning, especially given the severe impact experienced by many other states. We fully expect another surge and are asking you to raise your awareness to stop the spread."
"Typically we were seeing one to two cases a day, and then within the last two-week period, we saw 36 cases approximately. So one day was six cases, eight cases, and then down to four, so we saw a slight uptick," said Maritza Bond, New Haven Director of Health.
Bond says that slight increase in positive cases shouldn't cause alarm but that it's an important reminder that the pandemic is far from over.
"Before when we hit a spike previously early on in mid-April, we started out with a slight uptick and then it sort of jumped. We just want to take the proper precautions," said Bond.
Officials say washing your hands, wearing a face mask properly, and social distancing remain key to keeping the spread down.
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People at Union Station say that has become a part of daily life.
"We got to try to stay social distance, and we have to try to work together on it," said Christopher Fitchett, who lives in Manhattan.
"It's so good that everyone is doing their part as part of the community to protect themselves and most importantly not just themselves but to also protect the elderly people," said Rubie Riter, who lives in New London.
Bond says 25- to 49-year-olds make up the largest portion of recent cases but that the good news is hospitalization rates continue to trend down.
Officials say they're increasing their messaging for individuals and sectors open under Phase 2 to take safety protocols seriously.
"We need to be vigilant and be mindful that if we let our guard down, we can easily see a spike," said Bond.
Officials also want to remind people that if they have COVID-like symptoms to get tested. They point out they've had recent success with limiting the spread thanks to contact tracing and ask residents to continue to cooperate with those contact tracers.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker sent this message to residents about the slight uptick:
Dear New Haven Residents,
The City has been monitoring cases of COVID and has noticed a slight uptick in cases in the past week. This is very concerning, especially given the severe impact experienced by many other states. We fully expect another surge and are asking you to raise your awareness to stop the spread. Remember the 3 W's: wear a mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands. This means don't shake other people's hands ever, don't do elbow bumps, wear your mask over your nose and mouth at all times including when you are speaking. If you must have face-to-face meetings, do so outdoors. Wash your hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds) and especially every time after you touch something that someone else may have touched. And please ask others to do the same.
If you have any concerns about your employer or a store not enforcing these guidelines, please call our health department. We are not here to get anyone in trouble. Our Health Department is here to work with you and others to make sure we all are safe. All of us play a strong role in keeping each other safe. Let's take this seriously. If you have any questions, visit us online or call the Health Department at (203) 946-4949.
