Vernon Coronavirus Infection Rate Rising, Local Testing On Tap

VERNON, CT — Coronavirus cases have been sharply rising in Connecticut for weeks, and the state’s positive test rate has remained above 20 percent since the beginning of the new year. Local testing is still available this weekend.

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 has more than doubled in two weeks, up to nearly 1,800 hospitalized on Thursday, according to the state Department of Health.

Meanwhile, some school systems have had to temporarily close or modify schedules due to numerous quarantined staff.

Vernon had 97.1 average daily cases per 100,000 residents and a positive test rate of 16.00 percent between Dec. 19 and Jan. 1, according to the state Department of Public Health. There were 61.8 average daily cases per 100,000 residents in the previous two-week reporting period. It’s important to note that a few cases can have a large impact on a municipal case rate, especially for small towns.

Vernon recorded 303 new coronavirus cases between Dec. 30 and Jan. 6, according to DPH’s preliminary data.

Around 71 percent of Vernon residents are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus as of Jan.5, according to DPH.

The town of Vernon is hosting COVID-19 PCR Testing Sunday, at 11 a.m. at Rockville High School.

Testing will be available to the first 350 people in line, who will receive a ticket. First come, first served.

People who receive a ticket will be tested. People who do not receive a ticket will not be tested. People with
tickets must remain in line until they are tested. Testing concludes when all available tests have been
administered. Testing is open to all.