Omicron Variant Found in Connecticut, Announces Governor in Late Night Release
Governor Ned LamontGovernor Ned Lamont today announced the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Connecticut. Sequencing performed at the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the presence of the variant.
The case involves a man in his 60s from Hartford County who developed mild symptoms on November 27. An at-home COVID-19 test was positive on November 29 and a subsequent molecular test was positive on December 1. A family member traveled to New York City between November 17 and November 22 to attend the Anime NYC 2021 convention at the Javits Center. That family member developed mild symptoms on November 21, and on November 23 took an at-home COVID-19 test that delivered a positive result. The family member’s symptoms have resolved. COVID-19 testing on additional family members is pending. The affected individual and their family member are fully vaccinated.
“As I’ve been saying for the last several days, given the speed that this new variant has been spreading around the world and its positive identification in several states, we presumed it was already in our state and the information we received from the lab today confirms that fact,” Governor Lamont said. “This likely is not the only case of the variant in the state. That being said, I must urge everyone in Connecticut not to panic. While we are still learning more about this variant, our health providers are continuing to do their best to protect everyone. We have life-saving tools like vaccines and boosters available to fight this pandemic – including the Delta and Omicron variants – and I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and everyone around them.”
“I am so proud of the work of members of the state laboratory under the direction of Dr. Jafar Razeq and the Connecticut Department of Public Health epidemiologists under the direction of Dr. Matt Cartter and Dr. Lynn Sosa,” Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said. “The isolate was found, sequenced, and confirmed as Omicron within one day. This team was able to complete case investigation in a timely manner. Given the number of states that have identified Omicron to date, it was only a matter of time before we identified it here in Connecticut as well. Although Omicron appears to be more infectious than the Delta variant, both affected individuals have had mild symptoms to date. It is reassuring as their immunity seems to be helping them fight off this infection. Vaccination and boosters are still our greatest offense. If we can keep people out of the hospital, reducing morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, it is still a win for vaccines in our society.”
Instructions on how to get COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters in Connecticut is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health today also announced that it has opened mobile COVID-19 booster clinics throughout the state. The department continues to urge residents to receive booster doses at their earliest convenience.
The mobile booster clinics are currently operating in the following locations:
New Haven: New Haven Public Library, 7 days a week, 10am to 4pm – No appointment needed
Stamford: Jackie Robinson Park, 7 days a week, 10am to 4pm – No appointment needed
Trumbull: Trumbull Mall, Friday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm – No appointment needed
Waterbury: 910 Wolcott St, 9a-3p Saturday and 8a-12p Sunday – No appointment needed
Windsor Locks: Bradley Airport, Thursday through Sunday, 11am to 7pm – No appointment needed
For a full list of walk-up clinics sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, visit portal.ct.gov/vaccine-portal/DPH-van-clinics. In addition to the multi-day clinics, there are many single day pop-up clinics across the state.
Evergreen on Church Lane
Trees and garland give Church Lane a new look as Winter begins to take hold of the downtown community.
Hundreds Attend Wakeman Town Farm Tree Lighting
Wakeman Town Farm which has become a Mecca for Westport families held their annual Christmas Tree lighting event Friday night kicking off the Holiday Season with a crowd estimated at 800 or more over the course of the evening. Families enjoyed the Christmas tree and decorated grounds, sweet treats from The Porch and Sweet P Bakery, and hot chocolate from The Granola Bar and Starbucks. Also, a variety of local school musicians playing Christmas and Chanukah favorites.. Children played among several lighted trees and brought their parents to the bonfire to warm up and toast marshmallows.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Town Hall Tree Lighting: A Night Of Firsts
Westport's Orphenians Perform At Town Hall Tree Lighting
A large crowd of perhaps one hundred and twenty Westporters, one of the larger crowds in recent years gathered at town hall Friday evening to attended the annual lighting of Westport's Official Christmas Tree. There were several firsts that night. This was the first time since 2019 that there was a public ceremony. In 2020 due to COVID, there were only selectmen and some town employees in attendance. Also for the first time in eight years the event was not hosted by former First Selectman Jim Marpe who attended as a private citizen. It was the first time Jim's new grandson Charlie, the son of Marpe's daughter Samantha and husband Kris, who turned one year old this month saw the lights for the first time. Also for the first time Jen Tooker our new First Selectwoman attended in that role along with Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore. As usual Westport's Orphenians provided the entertainment, performing several holiday favorites.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Former First Selectman Jim Marpe with grandson Charlie, First Sectwoman Jen Tooker and Orphenian friends in front of the tree.