Connecticut continues to have low rates of COVID-19. Our state only has 56 patients in the entire state hospitalized with COVID, we are averaging only 2.2 new cases of COVID per day per 100,000 people. Our testing rate is 0.8 % positive for a rolling ten day average, 0.6% over the last three days. Our infection rate is 0.82. (Anything less than 1 means the epidemic is dying). Our governor has put 32 states on our quarantine list, which requires those arriving from any of those “high risk” states to either produce a negative test result or quarantine for two weeks at home or risk a $2,000 fine.
Mask wearing is close to universal. Here people scowl at those who wear masks improperly -- keeping the nose exposed. Distancing is largely maintained. This isn’t to say there aren’t violations or occasional large gatherings, but for the most part everyone here is with the program. I have heard anecdotally that most new cases are patients recently returned from visiting states where corona is rampant.
While the major leaguers fret about the dangers of playing baseball, football or basketball for millions of dollars in the midst of a pandemic, my daughter, and many like her are back to playing competitive sports in our state. The basketball has been both outdoors for practice and indoors for tournaments. The two tournaments my daughter has played in have been at commercial facilities, and they have taken the precautions of limited access. Either no parents at one tournament (we watched the game on the internet) or one parent per player at another. Fans were distanced and all wore masks. The referees even wore masks and carried hand whistles. Teams played back to back games and new teams were only allowed in a facility when a prior team had exited. The softball is outside, the girls maintain distance when not in the field. Instead of being in the dugout, they spread out along the fence. There is no high-fiving. Life seems quite normal. And we appreciate it, enjoying each day.
Yesterday I swam in the town pool under the brilliant sunshine in 90 degree heat. I was one of six who had reserved a lane for the fifty-minute time slot.. Each person is allowed to reserve three sessions a week. It is not swimming everyday like I was used to, but it felt great.
There is still talk of us getting hit with a second wave in the fall when the weather cools and people are outdoors less, but I am hopeful that this period now is more than just the calm in the eye of the hurricane. It seems to show that COVID can be beaten back and that life as once knew it is not forever lost.
