Prevent dehydration and heat-related illness this summer and growing drought concerns/(COVID-19 Updates)

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Summary for most recent day of reporting in Connecticut

Day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week. All data in this report are preliminary; data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected. Hospitalization data were collected by the Connecticut Hospital Association. Deaths* reported to either the OCME or DPH are included in the daily COVID-19 update.

*For public health surveillance, COVID-19-associated deaths include persons who tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 disease around the time of death (confirmed) and persons whose death certificate lists COVID-19 disease as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death (probable).

Category Text Total Change Direction Change
Laboratory Confirmed COVID-19 Cases   48,096 +   41
COVID-19 Associated Deaths   4,406 +   0
Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19   62 +   8
Patients Tested for COVID-19   660,857 +   5,548

Charts represent the date the data were reported to the CT DPH.  Cases and deaths are cumulative over time.  Hospitalization data are collected by CT Hospital Association

Source: Department of Public Health

                                                                                                        Total Reported

                                                                                                              To Date    Change from   Probable 

                                                                                                                                Yesterday        Cases

Local Results                                                                                                                  

Westport Residents COVID-19 Positive Reported to the State        305                    +0                     16

Weston Residents COVID-19 Positive Reported to the State             67                    +0                     3

A complete listing by town and county of all COVID-19 cases being reported by the Connecticut State Department of Health, and various analyses of those cases, can be found by following this link: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/CTDPHCOVID19summary7212020.pdf?la=en

 

Prevent dehydration and heat-related illness this summer and growing drought concerns

As temperatures rise, it’s important to avoid becoming dehydrated. Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. It can be especially dangerous for older people and very young children.  When it’s hot and humid like it has been, the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness increases.  That’s because when the air is humid, sweat can’t evaporate and cool us as quickly, which can lead to increased body temperature and the need for more fluids.  Nip problems in the bud by staying hydrated and cool this season:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, particularly when out in the sun, exercising, or working outside. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women should have 2.2 liters of fluid intake per day and men should get 3 liters. You may need more depending on your level of activity or the weather.
  • Water isn’t your only choice – 100% fruit juices, sparkling water, coconut water, sports drinks, and fruit-infused waters are all excellent options.
  • Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Thirst is the body’s way of reminding us to drink to prevent dehydration. Sip steadily throughout the day.
  • Drinking isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. The foods we eat account for much of our daily fluid intake.  Adjust your diet to add more fruits and vegetables which have higher water content.  Salads are a great way to boost your water intake. Cucumbers, leafy greens, celery, tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon and pineapples are delicious water-rich examples.
  • Watch your caffeine intake. Coffee or tea in moderation won’t necessarily dehydrate you, but they are mild diuretics.
  • Avoid alcohol and remember that the higher a beverage’s alcohol concentration, the more potentially dehydrating the drink. Always drink water alongside your cocktail.
  • Drinking water is a great way to prevent dehydration this summer but there are a few other ways to stay cool and prevent heat related illness – wear light-colored, loosely fitted clothing that lets your skin breath, wear a hat, and seek out shade on hot, intensely sunny days. Or, simply stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment when the heat index soars.

Remember that heat related illness and dehydration are completely preventable. However, if you experience the symptoms of heat stroke such as a throbbing headache, no sweating, body temperature above 103 degrees, red/hot/dry skin, rapid pulse, nausea/vomiting, or disorientation/confusion, please call 9-1-1 right away.

Westport Water Restrictions

Weeks with little to no rain, plus near-record water demands, have prompted Aquarion Water Company to issue mandatory water restrictions for Westport, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, Newtown, and Greenwich. The company is restricting its customers in these six towns to watering lawns with sprinkler system to only two days per week, with days determined by address. Homes with automatic sprinkler systems often use large volumes of water, so Aquarion worked with state and local officials to develop the mandatory, twice weekly schedule.  They advise customers to reduce water use to ensure that towns have adequate water supplies for fire protection and other vital needs.  Reducing water use by 20% may help to prevent the need for stricter restrictions in the future. Please do your part by implementing the irrigation schedule below:

 

 

Learn more from Aquarion Water Company by visiting:

https://www.aquarionwater.com/community/newsroom/2020/06/26/aquarion-water-company-urges-customers-to-conserve

https://www.aquarionwater.com/conservation/irrigation