Corona Virus Update 6/26

Today marks 100 days since the first Covid-19 death in Connecticut
We have lost 4,307 Connecticut residents to this Virus in those 100 days
Today we have 127 hospitalized, which is far less than our peak of 1,972, but it is up 5 from yesterday
414,889 have been tested, 46,059 have been positive, 65 in the past 24 hours

 In many southern and western states, cases continue to climb.
The “U.S. set a record on Tuesday, as 34,700 new cases of COVID-19 were reported” and  “On Wednesday, that record was broken, as more than 38,000 new cases of the coronavirus were reported.

Anne-Marie in Manchester sent me this graphic on Covid deaths worldwide. It shows worldwide Covid deaths as compared to deaths of other causes. It starts on January 1 and moves forward. Covid begins at the bottom of the chart on January 1. 

https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/2645529/?utm_source=embed&fbclid=IwAR03nafF0TJ9nI-tZOxmam8bc0rn0V2-byQ1bRwsPXVZtZoXvhQGZKC79EU

This is info from our law firm on what is helpful in a worker’s compensation case:

John and Bill,

Attached is a recent medical report we received regarding one of our many COVID Workers’ Comp cases.

This, or something similar, is very helpful in getting a favorable result for our members.

We are also asking these members to document and share with us records of any loss as a result of contracting COVID at work.

• Use of PTO
• Any period of time that was unpaid
• Any benefits/ money received from a short time or long term disability policy
• Any out of pocket expenses associated with treatment (prescriptions, deductibles, co-pays, etc.)

Thanks,

Eric

The letter from the doctor says “in my professional option, within a  reasonable degree of medical probability, I believe that ####### obtained COVID-19 from close contact at work. Patient relates that they were (then describes how they worked closely with a patient for X amount of time) and a few days later the patient tested positive. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield said Thursday that nationwide serological testing, or testing for antibodies, shows that the rate of infection, including from asymptomatic cases, is much higher than the confirmed number of diagnosed illnesses. ‘Our best estimate right now is that for every case that was reported, there actually are 10 other infections,’ Redfield said on a call with reporters.”

This Virus has taken a toll on healthcare workers. Over 600 have died and others are stressed, tired, and in need of a break. Many also need someone to talk to as PSTD is a reality.
Please take advantage of resources, including Emotional care, grief counseling and other resources for people in need, available through these sites:

1. Your facility's Employee Health Plans

2. AFT Trauma Services

https://www.aft.org/benefits/trauma

3. Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/virtual-family-assistance-center/ct-family-assistance-center.html

 Be well,

John