Stamford Mayor: Remain Vigilant As Coronavirus Vaccines Roll Out

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor David Martin urged Stamford residents to remain vigilant as coronavirus vaccines continue to roll out in the city this week.

During a livestream held Tuesday evening, Martin noted the city's seven day average for coronavirus cases increased to 52 cases per day this week. Last week, Stamford had an average of 32 case per day, Martin said. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"All I can say is that even as the vaccine is rolled out and we're beginning to see the hints of spring...nonetheless we still have coronavirus," Martin said during the livestream, "and it's still very significant in our community, as it is in the rest of the state."

According to Martin, Stamford Hospital had 13 patients in-house that had tested positive for the virus as of Tuesday morning. Three patients were in the facility's intensive car unit, Martin said.

"Please remain vigilant," Martin said. "Wear the mask, wash the hands, all those good things. Even as this vaccine rolls out, we need to stay safe."

Martin noted 18 percent of Stamford residents had received at least their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine as of March 8.

"Within the city of Stamford, since the vaccinations have become available, we've pushed out over 76,000 total vaccinations," Martin said.

Stamford Health COO Jonathan Bailey, who joined Martin on the livestream, also emphasized now was not the time to relax on mask usage.

"We continue to advocate for the four w's," Bailey said during the livestream, "which is wearing your mask, watching your distance and maintaining that social distancing, washing your hands and wiping down those surfaces between times of mixed utilization."

This week, the city opened a second coronavirus vaccination super site at 1 Elmcroft Road in the city's Harbor Point area. The site was established through an agreement between the city, Stamford Health and Building and Land Technology.

Bailey noted Stamford Health will also continue to operate a vaccination facility at the main campus of Stamford Hospital.

"This mass vaccination site is really a huge step forward," Bailey said, "and is a continuation of the partnership that we're doing with the city of Stamford, but we're thrilled to also be bringing in [BLT ] to help us be able to bring this to fruition for the community."

The mass vaccination site opened Monday and began vaccinating residents that day, Bailey said. The site also has a "selfie wall" where those who receive a vaccine can take a picture and help spread the word.

"It's important for everybody to spread the word," Bailey said, "doing your part and helping your neighbor, your friends and your family to get out and get vaccinated."

According to Bailey, the new site will start out distributing approximately 3,400 vaccines per week for its first three weeks, then ramp up to vaccinating approximately 6,800-7,000 people each week around April 5.

"To us, this is just another step forward of getting this community vaccinated," Bailey said. "We've had a great experience in this partnership and being able to make sure we're reaching and connecting with people. The feedback that we get from the community has been outstanding, and we're incredibly proud to be part of this overall endeavor."

Martin noted he received a vaccine last week, however he will continue to wear a mask when he is out in public. He also continued to encourage all residents to sign up for a vaccine as soon as they are eligible.

"Please get your vaccine," Martin said. "They're safe, they're effective, they're free and they're easy."