Corona Virus Update 4/23

I can share more with you tonight on the loss of our AFT Connecticut brother to Covid. He was a Probation Officer, a husband with 2 small children, one of whom has serious health issues. He was exposed to Corona virus because as an essential worker he continued to report to work. He fought this virus for over a month. He will be deeply missed.

He was a member of Local 4200b, JPE, Judicial Professional Employees. His president, Michael Barry provided this statement for the press, “Our deepest sympathies go to Jonathan’s beautiful family. His wife and children deserve space to grieve their loss in their own way and in their own time.

“The best way to honor Jonathan is by respecting his colleagues and all frontline workers selflessly allowing so many to remain in self-isolation. Those who can must heed the call to ‘stay safe and stay home’ in order to flatten the curve and get our communities through the worst of this pandemic.”

A go fund me account has been started by those who knew him well. https://www.gofundme.com/f/vbe3b-covid19-relief?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet

We are 47 days since the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Connecticut. 

71,497 have been tested

23,100 have tested positive

1947 are currently hospitalized, down 25 today

1639 are dead, up 95

From Danbury and New Milford

We are the front line workers of Danbury and New Milford Hospital.  We have supported our communities and worked many hours outside of our normal schedules in order to provide exceptional care to all of our patients particularly those patients with the COVID 19 virus. We feel fear and concern for our own safety and the health of our families although  put that aside to honor our commitment to our patients. We come to work  terrified because we had to reuse or prolong the  limited supplies of PPE, which is normally discarded after one use. There has been poor tracking of exposures, very high patient acuity and the ever changing policy and procedures of PPE.  All the employees, no matter what their position, are dealing with the pandemic even after their shift.  The emotional toll of this work environment is just as serious as the physical toll on the front line workers.

We are more than 1800 members in 4 different Unions and all united for fair treatment.  Hazard pay is a simple way to acknowledge the dedication  and recognize front line workers during this pandemic.

COVID 19 is real and we are asking the hospital leadership to join other area hospitals to provide the care givers with the much deserved Hazard pay. Here is the link:http://chng.it/DgwbR26Drv

At the end of a tough shift in the ER, especially when we would deal with a young person’s death,  we would look at each other and say “hug your family tonight.” I kinda feel this way tonight.

Please take care of yourselves and be well,                                                           John