City of Norwalk COVID-19 Update - Mayor Harry W. Rilling March 4, 2022

City of Norwalk
COVID-19 Update

   Mayor Harry W. Rilling
     March 4, 2022

Update from
    Mayor Harry Rilling
As we wrap up our first full week of the lifting of the city-wide mask mandate, I am happy to report
cases and hospitalizations remain on the decline with current state COVID-associated hospitalizations
at 171 and the Norwalk case rate at 6.8 per 100,000 residents. I remain deeply grateful and
impressed with our city for our continued and coordinated efforts throughout the pandemic.
Additionally, I am delighted to see residents continue to follow public health precautions, such
as staying up to date with their COVID vaccinations and isolating/quarantining per Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Norwalk is filled with exceptional people, and I
value the kindness and empathy that has carried our city through these trying times to keep ourselves
and our fellow residents safe.

Late on Friday of last week, the CDC debuted new community guidelines. This 3-tiered system helps
guide community decision-making and actions, while factoring in current county COVID metrics such
as new COVID-associated hospitalization rates, percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID
patients, and COVID-19 case rates for the last 7 days to make an informed decision. Under these new
community measures, Fairfield County, along with all other CT counties, are in the “Low”
category, which is great news (Page 18).

Prospectively, we remain wary of other threats that can change our current trajectory. This includes
BA.2, the Omicron subvariant dubbed “stealth Omicron.” Due to its increased infectivity, some
researchers initially predicted BA.2 would rapidly outcompete the original Omicron strains that peaked
in January--BA.2 continues to grow in incidence and is present in new cases in CT and across the
country, but more slowly than anticipated. We will continue to monitor the variant situation closely,
especially as we remain vigilant of the impact from spring break and other activities later in the
month.

Our COVID-19 testing clinic at Shady Beach will be updating their schedule next week. COVID-19
testing performed by Quest Diagnostics will now be Monday – Thursday from 2:00 pm – 6:00
pm and Saturday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Page 17). As always, we encourage those who have
symptoms or have been exposed to get tested and isolate accordingly per CDC guidelines. For more
details, go to norwalkct.org/testing.

                        With cases and hospitalizations remaining on a steady decline, I have decided
                        to adjust the weekly COVID report. Our team has been providing a
                        comprehensive COVID report since the start of the pandemic in March 2020!
                        As we enter this new phase of the pandemic and approach the
                        springtime, I have decided it is the right time to transition the report to a
                        bi-weekly schedule. Thank you, Norwalk, for your support over the arduous
                        two years and more of the pandemic. We look forward to continue to update
                        our community with important information about COVID-19 to keep residents
                        safe and informed.

                        Mayor Harry Rilling

Table of Contents

Part 1: Norwalk Data
Part 2: Norwalk Trends and Analysis
Part 3: State of Connecticut Data
Part 4: State Trends and Analysis
Part 5: Updates and Reminders

Norwalk Data
           COVID-19 Case Summary

     21,284                                    +38
             total COVID-19 cases              new cases
                 since March 2020              compared to the previous week

                     262 +1
           total COVID-19 deaths               new deaths
                since March 2020               compared to the previous week

                       6.8 -4.2
         cases per 100k residents              case rate difference
         for dates Feb 13- Feb 26              compared to the previous week

                 2.7% -1.4
                test positivity rate           test positivity rate difference
         for dates Feb 13- Feb 26              compared to the previous week

Data are for Norwalk residents only. All data are preliminary and subject to change.
               More details from the State DPH can be found here.

Norwalk
   Trends & Analysis
The table below shows Norwalk in comparison to the 6 other largest cities by
population in Connecticut.

Norwalk, like the other big cities, continues to see a decrease in case rates,
following the downtrend from the previous weeks.

Analyzing cases per 100,000 residents helps track the incidence rate of
COVID-19 in the community and allows for standard comparisons
between communities. The test positivity rate is a secondary indicator of
transmission in Norwalk.

                        Data are for Norwalk residents only.
                  All data are preliminary and subject to change.
       More details from the State Department of Health can be found here.

Norwalk
   Trends & Analysis
Current circulating variants are highly contagious and we continue
to do outreach on the importance of following prevention
measures and getting vaccinated as well as boosted if eligible.

                Chart Timeline: 2/13/2022 - 2/26/2022

 Data are for Norwalk residents only. All data are preliminary and subject to change.
      Any age groups not depicted did not have cases during this time period.
        More details from the State Department of Health can be found here.

Norwalk
   Trends & Analysis
Over the last two weeks, cases are spread across Norwalk, as shown in
this Heat Map. COVID-19 transmission activity continues in Norwalk,
across the state, and country.

              Chart Timeline: 2/13/2022 - 2/26/2022

                                                                    High

                                                                        Low

                      Data are for Norwalk residents only.
                All data are preliminary and subject to change.

Norwalk
  Trends & Analysis
The total number of residents getting vaccinated in Norwalk
continues to increase every week, The table below shows the current
vaccine coverage by age group in Norwalk.

Almost 78% of Norwalk residents of all ages (which includes
those who are not eligible) are fully vaccinated and 37% have
received an additional/booster dose.

The 5-11 year old age group is not eligible for booster doses yet, but
like other cities/towns, remains the lowest age group uptake as 5-11
years old are only 36% fully vaccinated. This is partly due to their later
eligibility for the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

The full benefit of the COVID vaccine is not experienced until
someone completes the entire vaccine course, and is considered
fully vaccinated, which is two weeks from the final dose, and then
also up to date or "additional dose received," which is receiving a
booster or additional dose if eligible.

While Norwalk's vaccine coverage is high, it is important to note there
are still almost 20,000 residents of all ages who are not fully
vaccinated.

*CT DPH has capped the percent of population coverage metrics at 100%. These metrics could be
           greater than 100% for multiple reasons or potential data reporting errors.
                      More details from the State DPH can be found here.

Norwalk
 Trends & Analysis
The chart below shows Norwalk in comparison to the 6 other largest cities
in the state showing the percentage of residents who are fully
vaccinated. Norwalk, shown in blue, continues to do very well across all
age groups in relation to the other large cities.

  All data are preliminary and subject to change. CT DPH has capped the percent of
 population coverage metrics at 100%. These metrics could be greater than 100% for
   multiple reasons or potential data reporting errors. More details from the State
                       Department of Health can be found here.

Norwalk
   Trends & Analysis
The chart below shows Norwalk in comparison to neighboring communities
in Fairfield County showing the percentage of residents who are fully
vaccinated.. Norwalk, shown in blue, continues to trail its wealthier, more
suburban neighbors in percentage. The biggest disparity is in the younger
age groups, and the City will continue its outreach to this demographic.

  All data are preliminary and subject to change. CT DPH has capped the percent of
 population coverage metrics at 100%. These metrics could be greater than 100% for
   multiple reasons or potential data reporting errors. More details from the State
                       Department of Health can be found here.

State of CT Data
      COVID-19 Case Summary

724,401                                 +2,447
 total COVID-19 cases since             new cases
               March 2020               compared to the previous week

 10,515 +72
      total COVID-19 deaths             new deaths
           since March 2020             compared to the previous week

               171 -77
           residents currently          hospitalization difference
 hospitalized with COVID-19             compared to the previous week
     (68[39.8%] are not fully
                  vaccinated)

     2.12% -1.87
          statewide daily test          statewide test positivity rate
             positivity rate on         compared to the previous week
           February 24, 2021

              All data are preliminary and subject to change.
   More details from the State Department of Health can be found here.

State of CT
   Trends & Analysis
For the recent 2 calendar weeks, 23 municipalities (14%), had an average
case rate of 15 or more cases per 100,000 population per day (red level).

                  All data are preliminary and subject to change.
       More details from the State Department of Health can be found here.

State of CT
   Trends & Analysis
The following map is based on vaccine administration records received by
CT WIZ . The darker shade of blue indicates a higher percentage of
residents who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination.

All data in this report are preliminary and are subject to change as
additional records are received and as duplicate records or other errors
are corrected.

  As of March 3, 2022 and for the estimated 2.6 million fully
  vaccinated CT residents, 6.47% have contracted the virus.

                  All data are preliminary and subject to change.
       More details from the State Department of Health can be found here.

State of CT
  Trends & Analysis
Statewide COVID-hospitalizations have decreased by 77
to a total of 171 patients from the last week.

The chart below shows hospitalizations by county and state total
from March 2020 through March 3, 2022.

The State of Connecticut and CT Hospital Association collect this data from
hospitals around the state and compiles this information. Distribution of cases is
by location of hospital and not the patient's residence.

                 All data are preliminary and subject to change.
      More details from the State Department of Health can be found here.

State of CT
Trends & Analysis
Below are data on variants of concern identified among Connecticut
residents. Data include sequences from specimens with dates of
collection from 11/21/2021–02/19/2022.

The Omicron variant rapidly became the majority of new COVID-19
infections across the state over the last several weeks.

               All data are preliminary and subject to change.
More in-depth analysis on COVID-19 variants from the CDC can be found here.

Updates & Reminders
    There are multiple opportunities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Norwalk. Clinics are
    offered with different vaccines, varying times, and multiple locations.

    While the Pfizer vaccine is approved for anyone over 5 years of age, please note certain
    clinics may only offer or may not offer pediatric doses of the vaccine.

Community Health Center Inc. (CHC) will also continue offering COVID-19 vaccines at
Veteran's Park, 42 Seaview Avenue, in February 2022.

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are available for anyone 18 and older. Pfizer is available for
anyone 5 or older. Those 5-17 years of age must have parent/guardian consent. Anyone who is
eligible for their first, second, or booster dose can be vaccinated. No appointment needed.

                  MONDAY                 TUESDAY                SATURDAY
                March 14, 21, 28     March 8, 15, 22, 29     March 5, 12, 19, 26
                 8:30am-3pm            8:30am-3pm              8:30am-3pm

                          Visit norwalkct.org/vaccine
                               for complete details

Updates & Reminders
Quest Diagnostics offers COVID-19 testing at Shady Beach, 99 Calf
Pasture Beach Road. Those seeking a test must enter the main gates off
Calf Pasture Beach Road. No one will be allowed in from Canfield Avenue.

Testing is available 5 days per week, and PCR test results come back
typically within 48 hours. People with or without symptoms can be tested.

                 COVID-19
                 TESTING

       MONDAY - THURSDAY                    SATURDAY
            2pm-6pm                         10am-2pm
        gates open at 2pm               gates open at 10am

Visit norwalkct.org/testing
    for more information

Updates & Reminders
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated to
a 3-tiered system to assess COVID-19 community levels by county using
recent COVID-associated hospitalization rates and COVID case rates.

Per the CDC, all Connecticut counties are in the green level or low.

               Time Period: 2/23/2022 - 3/2/2022

                  Visit cdc.gov
                 for more details

Updates & Reminders
The following is a COVID vaccine eligibility table for booster shots. If
you are eligible, please get boosted or follow up with your physician for
additional medical advice.

                 Visit fda.gov
                for more details

Updates & Reminders
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated and shortened the
recommended isolation and quarantine period for those who have contracted COVID-
19 or have been exposed to the virus.

Someone may need to quarantine when they might have been exposed to the virus.
Someone must isolate when they are sick or when they have been infected with the virus,
even if they don’t have symptoms.

Per the CDC, people infected with COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for 5 days.
This is followed by 5 days of wearing a well-fitted mask as long as they are asymptomatic
or their symptoms are improving (without fever for 24 hours).

                          Visit cdc.gov
                         for more details

Updates & Reminders
The CDC offers guidance and recommendations for domestic and
international travel. The CDC recommends delaying travel
if not up to date with COVID vaccination, because travel
increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
Do NOT travel if you were exposed to COVID-19, are sick, test positive
for COVID-19, or are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test.

Depending on destination, travelers may also need to provide proof of a
negative COVID-19 test before arrival. Visit cdc.gov for full details.

                Visit cdc.gov
            for complete details

City of Norwalk
COVID-19 Update

This report and all previous reports can be
    found at norwalkct.org/citynews