By Richard Kaufman
COVID-19 numbers are improving in Greenwich, and vaccination clinics are running smoothly, according to First Selectman Fred Camillo and Greenwich Hospital President Diane Kelly.
The Numbers
As of Feb. 2, there were 175 active COVID-19 cases in town, down 14 from Jan. 26. In total, there have been 3,400 cases in Greenwich since the pandemic began, with an increase of 175 since Jan. 26. Also since that date, the total death toll in Greenwich has increased by one to 80.
At Greenwich Hospital, as of the morning of Feb. 3, there were 22 COVID-19 patients being treated, down from 39 on Jan. 27. Of the 22, five were in the Intensive Care Unit on ventilators.
Kelly said the hospital is hopeful that their inpatient total will stay in the low 20s, or below, but she cautioned residents about the severity of the virus.
“This is nothing to take lightly. This is still a very serious virus with serious consequences. We don’t know who is going to have those serious consequences,” Kelly said. “It’s important that people keep their guard up, keep using the things that have allowed us to see a lowering of the numbers, and make sure that everybody considers getting vaccinated. That’s the only way we’re going to see us turn a corner on this.”
Vaccinations
Camillo said the town is making progress on vaccinating the current eligible population, which consists of those who are 75 and over. According to Camillo, close to 55% of those eligible in Greenwich right now have received doses.
Both Kelly and Camillo said they have received positive feedback from residents on the vaccination process. As long as allocations are received, the town is able to get shots in arms efficiently.
“As long as we get the vaccine, we can give the vaccine,” Kelly said, noting that the Brunswick School clinic was only able to stay open for three days this week based on the supply they received. “What we’ve been doing is making sure that when you come for a vaccine, we are signing you up for your second dose at the time of your first dose so that we can assure that we’ve allocated enough for that.”
Greenwich Hospital is utilizing an online platform that was developed by Yale New Haven Health so people can sign-up for vaccinations at Brunswick School or at 500 W. Putnam Ave.
“We are having ease with that,” Kelly said, noting that people should reach out to those who are not computer savvy and help them secure an appointment. “We are seeing large numbers of people sign up. Our process at the Brunswick School and at West Putnam is going very well. We’ve had no issues.”
However, Kelly said that there were cancellations earlier this week due to the snowstorm, but they were easily rescheduled. There have also been cancellations because people from out-of-state have tried making appointments through the Yale New Haven Health site.
The vaccination clinic at Town Hall, which is open three days a week, utilizes the federal government’s Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) for sign-up and scheduling.
“I’ve not received any complaints. The people that have reached out have been very satisfied, which is great to hear,” Camillo said.
For more information on vaccinations and to schedule an appointment if you’re eligible, go to www.ynhhs.org, or www.greenwichct.gov/575/Health-Department.
