Old Lyme Coronavirus Vaccine Weekly Update

OLD LYME, CT — Connecticut is moving full steam ahead vaccinating residents against the coronavirus with 29 percent of people over the age of 16 getting their first shot as of Thursday.

Old Lyme had 2,626 first doses administered as of March 8. About 35.94 percent of town residents have received at least one dose, according to the state Department of Public Health. There were 511 new first doses administered between March 1 and 8 in Old Lyme.

DPH estimates that 96.22 percent of Old Lyme residents 75 and older have received at least one dose. Around 88.57 percent of residents between 65 and 74 have received at least one dose. DPH uses 2014 Connecticut population estimates for age groups, which is the most recent reliable estimate available.

Connecticut’s per capita infection rate is creeping downward. The state averaged 20.9 new daily coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents between Feb. 21 and March 6. The previous two-week average was 21.1.

The number of towns in the state’s red zone for coronavirus infections stalled at 104 out of 169. Towns fall into the red zone when average daily cases exceed 15 per 100,000 population.

Old Lyme recorded 5 new coronavirus cases between March 4 and 10, according to the state Department of Public Health’s preliminary data. There have been 288 cases recorded since the pandemic began and 3 coronavirus deaths.

Old Lyme had 6.8 average daily cases per 100,000 residents between Feb. 21 and March 6 and a positive test rate of 1.00 percent. There were 4.8 average daily cases per 100,000 residents in the previous two-week reporting period. It’s important to note that a relatively small number of cases can have a big effect on the case rate, especially in smaller towns.