Severe Weather Possible Wednesday into Thursday
Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) along with local, state, and federal partners, are closely monitoring the remnant low from Hurricane Ida. We continue to coordinate with the counties and key state agencies to ensure readiness if the system worsens. The main threats are anticipated to include rain, flooding, and severe thunderstorms. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for all of Delaware from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. Flooding is expected in creeks, streams, urban areas, and poor drainage areas. There is an increased risk of severe weather for Delaware Wednesday evening and night including strong to severe thunderstorms causing downed trees and power lines, as well as potential for isolated tornadoes. Plan ahead now and be prepared.
- Clear drains and gutters and check sump pumps
- Never drive through flood water: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Be prepared to act if Tornado Warnings or other severe weather warnings are issued.
Make A Plan – preparede.org/make-a-plan
- Make a plan for where you would go if you had to leave your home due to an evacuation or if it sustained damage.
- Communicate and practice your plan with family.
- Have a list of emergency contacts and copies of important documents.
Make An Emergency Kit – preparede.org/make-a-kit
- Make sure that you have emergency supplies, such as food and water, for each member of your family (and pets) to last for at least 3 days.
- Have flashlights in case of power outages and fully charged power banks to charge electronic devices.
Stay Informed
- Have multiple ways of monitoring the weather through US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly. A NOAA Weather Radio is a great backup system!
- Register for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) to receive important emergency alerts here.
- Monitor our social media pages and local officials if further actions are required.
2021 Townsend Town Parade & Festival Postponed
After thoughtful consideration and concerns with the increasing COVID-19 Pandemic threat, the delta variant, and the high transmission rate in New Castle County, the Town of Townsend Town Council, has decided to postpone the Town of Townsend Parade and Town Fair, originally scheduled for September 25th, 2021. Town Council, along with the Community Engagement Committee continue to explore options to encourage safe community events.
COVID- 19 information specific to our area can be found at https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/locations/zip-code-19734. All are encouraged to get vaccinated. Vaccination information could be found at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/. The unvaccinated and those who may have been exposed can find information on COVID-19 testing at this site: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.
Garden for Wildlife- 2021 National Wildlife Photo Contest
Enter your photos for a chance to win!
Have you been hard at work this year to create a green oasis at home? Or maybe you’ve stumbled across a community garden on one of your neighborhood walks. Wherever you’ve found inspiration, we want to see the birds, butterflies, bees, native plants, and people (yes, that includes YOU!) that bring it to life.
| REGISTER TODAY |
This year you can submit images in any of these five categories:
- People in the wildlife garden
- Close-up native plants and their wildlife visitors
- Wildlife observations where people live, work, play, learn, and worship
- Certified Wildlife Habitat landscapes
- Young habitat photographers
One Grand Prize winner will receive $1,000. In each of the five categories, winners will receive gift certificates for native plant collections. Winners will be announced in a press release, highlighted through our social media channels, and published in print and/or online.
Modest entry fees help support the conservation work of the National Wildlife Federation—and help inspire our millions of members and supporters to care about wildlife and to act on its behalf.
So, whether you are an avid amateur or longtime professional, we look forward to seeing some of your best photographs.
Entrants have the option to donate images if they wish, which help support our mission to protect wildlife and habitats. No matter what, you still retain ownership of all your photos. Thanks for entering and good luck!
Town of Townsend to Return to Open Public Meetings On-Site
The Town of Townsend is returning to open public meetings on-site. In addition, residents or Council who may need to attend virtually may do so with Town Hall serving as an Anchor Site for those that wish to attend in person.
The Town Council room has been set up to meet social distancing requirement as prescribed by the CDC and masks must be worn by all participants and witnesses present while in Town Hall. Due to the above requirements, space will be limited. These precautions are necessary as it will not be possible to determine who has been fully vaccinated.
Anyone who feels ill or who has been near to someone who has been exposed to or tested positive for the Coronavirus should not attend the meeting in person. If you have tested positive for the Coronavirus you may not attend the meeting in person until you have been tested negative.
Meeting access information along with relevant meeting documents for those wishing to attend the meeting electronically, will be posted to the Town website under the meeting information.
8/11/2021 Planning Commission Meeting- To Be Held In Person & Electronically
Arrangements have been made to hold the Planning Commission meeting for tonight, 8/11/2021 both in person and electronically. Residents may choose to attend meetings in person or via electronic means. All personnel and visitors entering Town Hall must wear masks and comply with all CDC guidelines, including social distancing guidelines. Those that are sick or who have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus are asked to not enter Town Hall and may attend the meeting virtually. Those wishing to attend virtually may dial 1(301)715-8592. When directed, provide following meeting ID ID 407 702 6733# and then the following password 361631# to enter the meeting. If you choose to access the meeting online click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4077026733?pwd=TjJ6NmhzMHdOT1dDa3h0Ty8wY0pUQT09
Residents will be able to view documents posted to the meeting tab on the Town website at www.townsend.delaware.gov or by joining the meeting via computer.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The State of Delaware is working with pharmacies, medical providers, hospital systems, employers, and organizations to distribute COVID-19 vaccines.
Visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/ or contact the vaccine call center at 833-643-1715 to learn more about the vaccines available to you.
Find a vaccination site here: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/
Delaware COVID-19 Testing Sites
There are permanent and temporary COVID-19 testing sites throughout Delaware.
Find a testing site at this link: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing-events/?Filter=0&StartDate=2021-08-10&CurrentDate=2021-08-10&ContentProvider=0
Who should get tested?
While everyone can get tested (whether you have symptoms or not) not everyone needs to. However, if you meet any of these criteria you definitely should. Under these criteria, you should also self-quarantine/isolate at home as you wait for your results, and follow the advice of your health care provider or public health professional.
- People who have symptoms of COVID-19, including those who are fully vaccinated.
- DPH recommends that unvaccinated people get tested once a week
- Unvaccinated people should get tested 5-7 days after being exposed to someone with COVID.
- Unvaccinated people should isolate at home immediately if they develop symptoms of COVID-19, and quarantine at home if exposed to someone with COVID-19.
- People who have asked or referred to get testing by their health care provider. Learn More
- People in certain higher-risk jobs (health care, first responder, corrections, long-term care) are recommended to get tested on a regular schedule.
- Fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after being exposed to someone with COVID-19.
- Fully vaccinated people do not need to quarantine after exposure. They do need to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days, according to the CDC.
Townsend Continued Response to Coronavirus
Townsend Continued Response to Coronavirus
August 6, 2021
On July 13, 2021, Governor Carney lifted the State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The same day the Governor also signed Public Health Emergency Order to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. The Order authorizes the Division of Public Health (DPH) to direct COVID-19 vaccination, treatment and mitigation measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Rising Concern
The Number of new cases in the Townsend area have generally remained low leading to the Governor lifting the State of Emergency. However, the threat to our community has significantly risen over the past two weeks. Townsend area is identified as an area of concern as cases of the Coronavirus have significantly increased. Information specific to our area can be found at https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/locations/zip-code-19734.
The average of daily new cases went from .7 cases 14-days ago to 2.4 new cases daily. On July 8th the average daily number of new cases was reported as .3 cases, with only 3 new cases that week. By comparison, we are now an average of 2.7 new cases daily. There have been approximately 16 new cases from July 30, 2021, through August 4, 2021, in our zip code, and the number of daily cases is on the rise.
Also there has been a rise in the rate of people testing positive 9.1% positivity rate two weeks ago to over 27.3% positivity on average. This is quite a shift from July 8 when the positivity average was 4.8%.
Delaware Public Health is reporting that from January 1, 2021, through mid-July, 99% of reported cases statewide are individuals who are not fully vaccinated. This includes more than 99% of those hospitalized with COVID-19 and just under 99% of fatalities from this disease.
Unfortunately, Our area has suffered the loss of 14 residents from this disease. Our hearts go out to the families of those that have passed.
Recommendations
Get Vaccinated
According to State and Federal Public Health officials, the best way to mitigate the harm from this disease and reduce the risk from this Pandemic, keep schools and businesses open and accessible and rebuild is to get vaccinated. Less than 55% of the Townsend Area residents have ben vaccinated. Vaccines are effective against hospitalization and death. The majority of all COVID-19 infections happen in unvaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated persons are at greater risk for serious illness.
Additional information can be found at www.de.gov/covidvaccine.
Testing
Unvaccinated persons are urged to get tested weekly. Anyone who is exposed to someone with COVID-19 get tested five to seven days after exposure.
Specific guidance and for a list of testing locations go to www.de.gov/gettested.
Face Coverings
Delaware has adopted CDC Guidelines. CDC is highly recommending the use of masks indoors in public spaces by both vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. This is highly recommended in areas where the is substantial transmission. New Castle County is in this category. Townsend area is listed as an area of concern. Town Staff have been advised to wear face coverings in the office, particularly when interacting with residents and those doing business with the Town.
Town Hall Operations
Town Hall is open to serve our community. Appointments are encouraging. Our team remains committed to serving the needs of the Town. Please continue to monitor the Town’s website for any updates.
At this time, all scheduled Town Council, board, and commission meetings will be held via conference call and online via Zoom meeting. Residents will be able to view documents posted to the meeting tab on the Town website at www.townsend.delaware.gov. Those wishing to attend may dial the number provided on the agenda or may connect online with the meeting link provided. Please check the Town’s website and agenda for access information for each meeting. We are working to secure the resources to safely hold meetings at Town Hall.
It is important to understand that these measures have been set to assist with managing the potential spread of COVID-19 within our community and our region. We continue to monitor the situation and have participated in briefings to understand how the declaration may impact our community as we progress through the Governor’s phased reopening plan.
Individuals with minimal to no symptoms may be carriers of the COVID-19 virus and may unknowingly spread the virus to other individuals in close proximity. The Town Council and staff continue to work with the State and New Castle County Officials to address the needs of our community while continuing to take actions to help control further spread of the COVID-19 in the area.
Town Park
The Townsend Town Park equipment and grounds on Edgar Road are open for use. However, Town Park is not staffed with Town employees on a regular basis. All individuals choosing to use the Park are reminded to follow Public Health Guidelines for safety.
Unvaccinated visitors are asked to consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. Visitors to the park are advised to use social distancing protocols while using the park. Information on social distancing practices can be found at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/what-delawareans-can-do/.
Remember to wash your hands regularly, cover your cough and stay home if you are sick. It is especially important for at-risk populations, specifically the elderly, to avoid large gatherings.
Youth Sports
The leadership of any youth sports team wishing to use Town Park fields must first contact Town Manager to discuss a plan for how the organization/team will comply with State Public Health directives. Each team will be required to sign a document before being allowed to use the fields.
If you have questions about COVID-19 or exposure risk you can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 or TTY at 1-800-232-5460 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email DPHCall@delaware.gov. For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit de.gov/coronavirus.
Mayor and Council
Town of Townsend
V-5-ASM
