Townsend Continued Response to Coronavirus

Date Posted: Friday, August 6th, 2021

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

COVID NOTICE 8621__