Meriden has its first positive case of coronavirus and officials said the person has been ordered to quarantine for 14 days and the Department of Health and Human Services has notified close contacts of the patient.
The state of Connecticut website reports 96 positive cases of novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the state, including one in Middlesex County. It’s not clear if this is the same case.
“We have anticipated this inevitable moment and we are taking every step we can to mitigate the spread of the virus and keep Meriden safe,” City Manager Tim Coon said in a statement.
“We are taking the identification of COVID-19 in our state and city very seriously,” Lea Crown, Meriden’s director of Health and Human Services, said in a statement. “We continue to urge our residents to take precautions to reduce the spread of this virus in our City and State. To reduce the chance of getting the virus: please stay home if you are sick, stay away from large crowds, wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and maintain social distancing of six feet."
They urge anyone who is showing symptoms of COVD-19 not to go to a primary care physician without contacting them first by phone.
Meriden officials said City Hall is working to respond to a rapidly developing situation and anticipating implementing actions in the coming days to keep residents safe and healthy.
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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.
