October 21, 2020

Dear Residents,

Unfortunately, Madison continues to see an increase in positive COVID-19 cases, leading to a total of 9 active cases in our community (up from 6 cases last week). All of our cases continue to span across several age groups and are associated with different circumstances. This is a clear warning sign for us that community spread is growing, and that we must remain vigilant in preventing spread of the virus.  The Madison Health Department continues to track positive COVID-19 cases through contact tracing to determine how many of these cases may be connected and what behaviors may be causing these increases. We know COVID can also be transmitted asymptotically, which is why it is critically important for residents to always wear face coverings in public. If someone is feeling symptomatic, they should get tested and quarantine while awaiting results. If you receive a positive test result, it is very important that you contact the Madison Health Department as soon as possible at (203) 245-5614. 

Once again Madison is not alone in experiencing such an increase in positive cases. Yesterday, Connecticut’s positive daily test rate for the entire state increased to 3%.   The State continues to issue advisories for towns experiencing a troubling uptick and is allowing those communities to roll-back some of its re-opening plans. Much of this uptick is being attributed to social gatherings, not businesses or schools, since people tend to let down their guard in more informal settings. The Governor is urging all residents to avoid unnecessary or non-essential travel between states at this time, but will not subject residents of our state to a quarantine if coming from a neighboring state such as New York or New Jersey.  The Governor is also reaching out to Massachusetts and Rhode Island to discuss working out a similar regional approach.  In addition, if residents visit any state on the advisory list for more than 24 hours, they are required to self-quarantine for 14 days or test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours. To get the most updated policy information, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Travel.

A reminder that the Madison Police Department, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, will be organizing a modified version of Trunk or Treat on October 31st at the Surf Club from 3 to 5 p.m.  This event will require pre-registration for vehicles wishing to give out treats, and involve a drive through format for kids and their families. Please visit the Madison Chamber of Commerce website for more information.   For questions regarding other traditional Halloween activities such as trick-or-treating, the Town recommends parents follow the guidelines recently issued for Halloween by Connecticut’s Department of Public Health at  https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Covid-19-Knowledge-Base/Halloween-Guidance.

An important reminder that next Tuesday, October 27th is the last day residents can register to vote in advance for the November 3rd Presidential election. Please contact the Registrar of Voters by calling (203) 245-5671 or via email registrar@madisonct.org for more information on how to register.    If you have questions or need information on voting by Absentee Ballot please contact the Town Clerk’s office at (203) 245-5672 or via email at townclerk@madisonct.org .  If you still intend to apply for an absentee ballot or want to send in your completed ballot, the most expeditious way is to place the application or the completed ballot into the secure drop box located outside of Town Hall at the Town Campus (in the circle driveway across from the gym – follow the signs as you come down the driveway). If you choose to vote in person on November 3rd, please remember that District 1 voting has been moved from the Senior Center to Polson Middle School (the old Hand high school) located at 302 Green Hill Road; District 2 voting will take place as in previous years at Brown Intermediate School at 980 Durham Road.  Polls on election day will be modified for social distancing and stay open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Please note that the Senior Center will only be used for Election Day Registration on November 3rd. No other voting will occur at this location. 

We continue to urge all residents to sign up for the Town’s new communications system called Madison Alerts, which will provide important community information, as well as the First Selectwoman updates.   You can subscribe through the town website at  https://www.madisonct.org/MadisonAlerts.

Stay safe and healthy Madison.

Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman