CT Alerts & Emergencies
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Storm Notice - Guidance Documents for Food Establishments
Storm Notice - Consumer Guidance for Food Emergency
Food Facts - Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods (fda.gov)
COVID-19 Press Releases:
Updated 05/18/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Lamont Announced
Governor Lamont and Governor Raimondo to Align Hair Salon and Barber Shop Reopenings in Early June
(HARTFORD, CT) – As their administrations continue developing strategies for the safe reopening of sectors of the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut and Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island today announced their intention to align the reopening of hair salons and barbershops in their respective states in early June.
Hair salons and barbershops were initially included in Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopen plan, which begins May 20, however, Governor Lamont said that after having extensive discussions with owners and employees of these businesses he feels that it is in everyone’s best interests to provide for some additional preparation time and also align the state with its regional partners.
Governor Lamont said, “We’ve been hearing a lot of feedback from many owners and employees, and at this time I think the best approach is that we hit pause on the reopening of hair salons and barbershops, take a step back, and allow some more time as preparations continue to be made.”
Governor Raimondo said, “I know how hard this crisis has been on close-contact businesses like hair salons and barbershops, and we’re working around the clock to get you back to work quickly and safely. We look forward to continuing to coordinate with our regional partners are we work toward reopening these businesses in early June.”
05/8/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Lamont Announced
04/25/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Lamont Announced
Residents encouraged to safely dispose of unwanted medication at home as an alternative to National Drug Takeback Day events
If not for COVID-19, thousands of Connecticut residents would be visiting one of the nearly 100 drug drop boxes at police stations across the state today to mark National Drug Takeback Day. This year, in light of the pandemic, residents are asked to avoid visiting the drug drop boxes, and take steps to secure, and clean out their medicine cabinets at home.
Here’s what residents can do:
- Dispose of any unneeded medication at home by running it under hot water, combining it with something undesirable like used coffee grounds or kitty litter, securing it in a container, and disposing of it in the trash. Do not flush medication down the toilet.
- Secure any of your expired or unneeded medication in a safe place so that it’s ready to go as soon as you’re able to visit a drug dropbox again.
Last year, 59,058 pounds of unneeded medication were disposed of in drug drop boxes, an increase of more than 15,000 pounds from 2018.
Contact Brittany Grabill with any questions
SPF Rx Project Coordinator
(860)823-1189 Ext. 116
bgrabill@uncashd.org
04/25/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Lamont Announced
Free Facemasks for Essential Small Businesses with fewer than 50 employees
Governor Lamont this evening announced the state is partnering with CBIA and CONNSTEP to distribute free face coverings to eligible, essential small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. In light of the social distancing guidelines the governor is asking residents to avoid visiting drug drop boxes for national Drug Takeback Day, and to instead take steps to secure, and clean out their medicine cabinets at home.
More information and Governor Lamont’s full press release can be read here:
03/31/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2020
Contacts:
Patrick McCormack, Director of Health
Uncas Health District
401 West Thames Street, Suite 106, Norwich, CT 06360
860-823-1189 ext.112
doh@uncashd.org
First Positive COVID-19 Associated Death Confirmed
Today, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has confirmed the first associated death of COVID-19 within the jurisdiction of the Uncas Health District. The individual, a Norwich resident, is a male between the ages of 40 and 50 years old.
“It is with sadness today that I am confirming the first death of a person within the Uncas Health District due to severe complications from COVID-19. The patient had recently been admitted to the hospital, where he was receiving treatment.” The Uncas Health District and its staff will continue to assure that all appropriate CDC protocols regarding positive cases and potential contacts are followed.” said Patrick McCormack, Uncas Health District’s Director of Health.
The Uncas Health District continues to promote social distancing as the best way to slow the spread of the virus. “This heartbreaking news is a reminder to community members that it is imperative to be proactive and continue efforts to distance themselves from others.” said McCormack. Social distancing is crucial in helping to reduce the spread of the virus and limit the number of people who are infected.
The Uncas Health District continues to work with local and state partners to prepare for widespread community transmission of COVID-19. Residents and businesses are urged to access up-to-date information regarding the pandemic from reputable sources including the Uncas Health District website (www.uncashd.org), Facebook (@UncasHealthDistrict), Twitter (@UncasHealth).
# # #
Uncas Health District – UHD – serves as the local health department for Bozrah, Franklin, Griswold, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and Voluntown Connecticut. As a health district, formed under Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-241, UHD is a special unit of government, allowing member municipalities to provide comprehensive public health services to residents
401 W. Thames St., Ste. 106, Norwich, CT 06360
Telephone No. (860) 823-1189 FAX No. (860) 887-7898
E-Mail: ofcmgr@uncashd.org Internet: www.uncashd.org
03/19/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2020
Contacts:
Patrick McCormack, Director of Health
Uncas Health District
401 West Thames Street, Suite 106, Norwich, CT 06360
860-823-1189 ext.112
doh@uncashd.org
First Positive COVID-19 Case Confirmed
Today, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 within the jurisdiction of the Uncas Health District. The individual, a Norwich resident, is a 43-year-old male.
“Positive cases of COVID-19 within our jurisdiction have been expected, as community transmission of the virus continues to occur in Connecticut. The Uncas Health District and its staff will assure that all appropriate CDC protocols regarding positive cases and potential contacts are followed.” said Patrick McCormack, Uncas Health District’s Director of Health.
The Uncas Health District continues to promote social distancing as the best way to slow the spread of the virus. “We remind the community that it is important to be proactive and continue efforts to distance themselves from others.” said McCormack. Social distancing is crucial in helping to reduce the spread of the virus and limit the number of people who are infected.
The Uncas Health District continues to work with local and state partners to prepare for widespread community transmission of COVID-19. Residents and businesses are urged to access up-to-date information regarding the pandemic from reputable sources including the Uncas Health District website (www.uncashd.org), Facebook (@UncasHealthDistrict), Twitter (@UncasHealth).
# # #
Uncas Health District – HHD – serves as the local health department for Bozrah, Franklin, Griswold, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and Voluntown Connecticut. As a health district, formed under Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-241, UHD is a special unit of government, allowing member municipalities to provide comprehensive public health services to residents
401 W. Thames St., Ste. 106, Norwich, CT 06360
Telephone No. (860) 823-1189 FAX No. (860) 887-7898
E-Mail: ofcmgr@uncashd.org Internet: www.uncashd.org
03/19/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Patrick McCormack, Director of Health
Uncas Health District
401 West Thames Street, Suite 106, Norwich, CT 06360
860-823-1189 ext.112
doh@uncashd.org
Uncas Health District Orders Closure of All Licensed Salon, Barber, and Cosmetology Establishments
Effective 10:00 pm today, March 19, 2020, the Uncas District has ordered the closure of all licensed cosmetology establishments including Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Nail Salons, and any other establishments engaging in personal cosmetic services, including hairstyling, waxing, makeup applications and foot spas with respect to Uncas Health District’s Regulations. This closure will remain in effect until further notice.
The Uncas Health District acknowledges the challenges faced by our District’s small businesses as regular operations are interrupted. “However, the nature of these professions puts salon and barbershop staff members in direct contact with their clients and customers. Therefore, the risk of transmission to the staff and clients is higher than professions that do not require direct contact. To that end, we recognize that social distancing will contribute to the state and national efforts to reduce the spread of COVID 19.” said Director of Health Patrick McCormack.
In order to mitigate the widespread community transmission of COVID-19, the Uncas Health District continues to prepare with local and state partners. Residents and businesses are urged to access reputable sources for the most up-to-date information regarding the pandemic. Notices and links can be found on the Uncas Health District website (www.uncashd.org) and UncasHealth social media accounts, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
# # #
The Uncas Health District (UHD) serves as the local health department for Bozrah, Franklin, Griswold, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and Voluntown, Connecticut. Formed under Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-241, the UHD is a special unit of government that provides comprehensive public health services more efficiently to residents in our member municipalities by consolidating the services within one organization.
401 W. Thames St., Ste. 106, Norwich, CT 06360
Telephone No. (860) 823-1189 FAX No. (860) 887-7898
E-Mail: ofcmgr@uncashd.org Internet: www.uncashd.org
03/17/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2020
Dear Food Establishment Owner/Operator:
On March 16, 2020, Connecticut Governor, Ned Lamont, issued Executive Order No. 7D regarding the protection of public health and safety to be effective during the novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In response to this order, CT restaurants and bars must close their seating/dining areas and go to food and/or beverage carry-out orders and/or food delivery only, or otherwise must close completely until further notice. The Uncas Health District (District) received clarification today that his announcement applies not only to commercial retail food and beverage establishments but also to private clubs and “members only” food establishments and bars. The order also limits crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings and “in-person” events to a maximum of 50 people.
At this time, we strongly encourage all food establishments to create or update your business Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) such as Employee Health, Personnel Hygiene, and Cleaning and Sanitation Policies and train all staff and/or members to know what to do and how to do it. Below is a list of additional practices to implement in order to avoid being exposed to COVID-19 during the pick-up and delivery of foods:
1. Do not come to work if you are ill or have the beginning symptoms of the flu.
2. Clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces frequently. Use a COVID-19-approved disinfectant.
(A list is enclosed with this notice. Ensure that staff have everything they need to do their jobs.)
3. Close self-serve areas such as beverage dispensers and use single-service condiment packages.
4. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or double-wash hands.
5. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Cough or sneeze into the elbow if tissue is unavailable.
(Dispose of used tissues immediately. Have trash containers nearby for used-tissue disposal.)
6. Keep alcohol-based sanitizer and single use facial tissues on counters available for patrons, staff, and in delivery vehicles. Please note that the use of face masks is not recommended at this time.
(Note: In times of scarcity, countertop items may need to be secured to prevent unauthorized removal.)
7. Maintain social distancing of approximately 6 feet. (Signage may be helpful to encourage patrons and employees to maintain distance when picking up orders and to cover coughs and sneezes.)
8. Switch out food serving utensils frequently and use a chemical sanitizer after washing dishes.
(Note: Follow CDC instructions for disinfectant concentrations and do not mix disinfectants. More is not better!)
9. Do not refill beverage cups or containers brought in from patrons until further notice.
10. Have a protocol in place on how to handle a ‘bodily fluid event’. (See the enclosed guide on Norovirus)
If you suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider. For additional information on cleaning and sanitizing and other precautions against novel Coronavirus 2019, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus. For any other questions, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Patrick R. McCormack, M.P.H., Director of Health for the Uncas Health District
Enclosures
401 W. Thames St., Ste. 106, Norwich, CT 06360
Telephone No. (860) 823-1189 FAX No. (860) 887-7898
E-Mail: ofcmgr@uncashd.org Internet: www.uncashd.org
03/16/2020
Press Releases: The Office of Governor Ned Lamont
Northeast Governors From Connecticut, New York, New Jersey Announce Collective Measures to Combat Spread of COVID-19
CDC Microsite for Coronavirus
Northeast Governors From Connecticut, New York, New Jersey Announce Collective Measures to Combat Spread of COVID-19
Rabies Alert – Rabid Feral Cat in Griswold, CT
January 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patrick McCormack
Director of Health
860-823-1189 ext.112
doh@uncashd.org
Rabies Alert – Rabid feral cat in Griswold, CT
A feral cat from the area of Route 201, Glasgo Road in Griswold was tested and found to be positive for rabies on January 9, 2020.
The public is reminded to refrain from feeding or approaching any wild animals.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people. It is spread mostly by wild animals, but stray cats and dogs may also become infected and spread the virus. The rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread by scratches from infected animals or when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.)
Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact:
Uncas Health District at (860) 823-1189 or NECCOG Animal Control at (860) 774-1253.
Public Health Alerts
Below you will find Public Health Alerts links. These links, will provide industry press releases regarding product recalls and other useful information.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA & FSIS Recalls & Alerts:
USDA
Sign up for email updates from FSIS
Current Recalls and Alerts
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2019
Contact: Patrick McCormack
Director of Health
860-823-1189 ext.112
doh@uncashd.org
Mosquitoes in Voluntown, North Stonington, and Stonington Test Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Uncas Health District and Ledge Light Health District announced today that mosquitoes trapped in Voluntown, North Stonington and Stonington have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Some of the mosquito traps contained mosquito species that are known to bite humans.
EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Historically, the virus has been found in trapped mosquitoes in Connecticut, but only one person has died from EEE.
All residents of Voluntown, North Stonington and Stonington are advised to avoid outdoor activities from one hour beforeto one hour after dawn and dusk.
Additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:
- Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
- While outdoors, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
- Use mosquito netting if sleeping outdoors.
- Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also effective for brief periods of exposure.
- When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months.
Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:
- Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings, clogged gutters.
- Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
- Change water in birdbaths on a weekly basis.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and cover pools when not in use.
- Use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.
Additional resources for information on EEE and mosquito management can be found at:
http://www.ct.gov/mosquito/site/default.asp
West Nile Virus Positive Test in CT
The Uncas Health District was contacted by the Connecticut Department of Public Health on July 23, 2018. We were notified that a pool of mosquitoes tested in the CT DEEP, Franklin Wildlife Management Area - 391 Route 32 - North Franklin, CT 06242 tested positive for the West Nile Virus in the Culex restuans mosquito species on July 12, 2018. The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Please be aware of the West Nile virus activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family.”
Please see the attached link for more information, www.ct.gov/mosquito
For information on the List of Mosquito Trapping and Testing Sites 2018 and the positive pools, you can go to List of Mosquito Trapping and Testing Sites
Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 July 2018, 9:10 a.m.
Address
Campbell Building
401 W. Thames Street, Suite 106
Norwich, CT 06360
Office Location
Park in the back of the Campbell Building
Enter through the Credit Union entrance
Contact Us
Our office is available Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm for all of the residents in our district.
p 860-823-1189
f 860-887-7898
e doh@uncashd.org