Nine people who receive residential services from the state Department of Developmental Services have tested positive for COVID-19, and one of them has died, the department confirmed Friday.
The person who died was a man from the Torrington facility.
“My deepest condolences to the family and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy,” said DDS Commissioner Jordan Scheff said in a press release. “In these difficult moments we must all come together; as family, as staff, as providers and friends, to all support one another.”
Three DDS staff members who work with the public have also tested positive for the virus. The department is working on contact tracing for that staff.
DDS serves more than 17,000 people with intellectual disabilities across the state, using public and private providers.
DDS has taken steps to protect against the spread of the virus, including:
- Implementing health screening protocols for all DDS staff entering public support facilities.
- Restricting visitors for all DDS congregate residential settings.
- Adjusting supports and services to promote social distancing by offering telehealth and telecommunication options.
- Approving over 630 DDS employees for telework to promote social distancing and minimize exposure to individuals and staff at DDS public settings.
- Continuing with regular and deep cleaning schedules in all DDS public settings and administrative offices; and
- Implementing appropriate safety measures, as determined in consultation with the Department of Public Health, for staff who are symptomatic or have been in close contact with individuals suspected of or having COVID-19.
So far, 1,291 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Connecticut, and 27 patients have died.
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Coronavirus Symptoms
The key symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the CDC are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms can appear in infected persons two to 14 days after exposure.
Coronavirus Prevention Steps
Steps for prevention from the CDC include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, such as to the grocery store
- Coverings should not be placed on children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a health care worker
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Steps to Self-Monitor for Coronavirus
Steps to self-monitor from the CDC include:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
If you do get sick with a fever, cough or have trouble breathing, call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and communicate with your doctor about your recent travel.
- If you develop symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
The CDC has a special website set up with details about the coronavirus, including how it spreads and treatment.
Anyone with questions relating to coronavirus can call 2-1-1 or text "CTCOVID" to 898211. The 2-1-1 hotline is available 24 hours a day.
You can also visit the state's coronavirus information website here. Residents are encouraged to check the website for answers to questions before calling the hotline.
