Written by Kade Tibberts, GHS class of 2021
On Wednesday, Greenwich Hospital and Yale New Haven Health System reported a continued downward trend in numbers of Covid-19 cases.
Wednesday also marked the second day in a row of zero Covid patients at Greenwich Hospital. Across the Yale New Haven Health System, 25 patients were being treated, down from 34 cases last week.
With the demand for vaccines decreasing, the plan is to close some of the mass vaccinations sites, including the location at Brunswick School.
During a weekly press conference hosted by Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo and Greenwich Hospital it was stressed that Greenwich residents need not worry about accessing the vaccine.
“The state has terrific resources to locate where to get vaccinated and local pharmacy chains have plenty of supply,” said Dana Marnane, Vice President of Public Relations at Greenwich Hospital and Director of Public Relations and Communications for Yale New Haven Health.
With the positive news, Mr. Camillo said the town plans to open up to ‘mask optional’ status on June 21, 2021.
Residents who are fully vaccinated will be able choose to not wear a mask, even in public indoor spaces, though Camillo still strongly suggested residents keep a physical distance from each other.
“Keep doing what you’re doing,” Camillo encouraged. “Be careful, but we want people to get out there, to be healthy, be active, and breathe some fresh air.”
Yale New Haven Health System was able to cancel its code D status last week. Code D, which stands for “Disaster,” is a complex status that mobilizes the Hospital command to open communication system-wide. They said that with the decreased numbers of cases, it was no longer necessary.
Camillo similarly is suspending the weekly press conferences because of the town’s low number of cases.
Given the town opening up and returning to normalcy, Ms. Marnane said, “There is a continued sense of optimism. We need people to continue to get vaccinated. Let’s keep the momentum going.”
She said the health system’s plan was to continue outreach and encourage those who are unvaccinated to get the vaccine. This includes Yale New Haven Health’s plan to switch its focus to underserved communities using FEMA grants and community pop-up clinics.
“We are really focusing on those people who are still hesitant to get the vaccine,” Camillo said. “If you’re not, I encourage you to go get vaccinated.”
But for those who have been vaccinated, he said, “It looks like the worst is over. Go out and enjoy yourself.”
Vaccinated Greenwich residents can look forward to getting outside, enjoying the sun, and returning to a normal summer.