An additional 739 positive COVID-19 cases were reported within the Naugatuck Valley Health District’s jurisdiction between Dec. 2 and Dec. 15, according to data released from the agency Wednesday.

Two COVID-19 laboratory confirmed deaths were reported within the time period, including an 88-year-old woman in Beacon Falls. Her death marks the first Beacon Falls resident to pass away from COVID-19.
The Naugatuck Valley Health District covers Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour, and Shelton. Oxford is in the Pomperaug Health District.
Here is a look at the latest lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive tests locally since March, and the numerical change since Dec. 2.
Ansonia:
702
An increase of 125 cases since Dec. 2
Beacon Falls:
156
(up 29 cases)
Derby:
(up 72)
Naugatuck:
1,140
(up 235)
Seymour:
540
(up 70)
Shelton:
1,320
(up 208)
The table below shows the number of COVID-19 associated deaths and probable COVID-19 associated deaths since March.

The number of deaths locally is far below what was happening when COVID-19 first arrived in the Valley last spring.
Naugatuck Valley professionals who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic are scheduled to speak in a virtual forum scheduled for Friday morning.
It will be the first forum of its kind locally.
The speakers include Dr. Fred Browne, the chief medical officer at Griffin Hospital; Jessica Kristy, the health director at the Naugatuck Valley Health District; David Morgan, the president and CEO of TEAM, Inc., and; Patrick Charmel, the president of Griffin Health in Derby.
The article continues after the latest NVHD report:
NVHD COVID-19 Update (Dec. … by The Valley Indy
The arrival of vaccines in the U.S. has dominated the national news cycle this week. The first doses were given in Connecticut on Monday. Click here for a Valley Indy story.
On Wednesday, Griffin Hospital reported its staff started receiving the vaccine this week. Click here for a press release.
Residents are still being urged to wear face masks and to keep their social circle small to limit transmissions.
“It’s really important that everyone continues to wear their masks as vaccine rollout happens so we can stop transmission and protect everyone as we continue the process,” state Rep. Kara Rochelle said during a Derby legislative online forum Wednesday.
State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria reminded Valley residents COVID-19 testing is available locally for free.
This information is from the Griffin Health website:
Appointment-only site at Griffin Hospital gives you minimal on-site waiting – and receive your COVID-19 test results within 24 – 48 hours.
Location: 130 Division Street, Derby, CT
Hours: 7:00AM‑3:30PM daily, with extended ours Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday 7:00AM‑6:00PM
Call ahead and make your appointment at 203 – 437-6815 (Call Center hours: 8AM-3PM)
*Please have your insurance information and number ready to expedite your appointment.
Community Test Site locations:
Quassy Amusement Park 2132 Middlebury Rd, Middlebury, CT
Open Fridays 11AM-3PM
Tunxis Community College – 271 Scott Swamp Rd, Farmington, CT
Open Thursdays 11AM-3PM (closed 11 – 26 for Thanksgiving)
Naugatuck Ion Bank – 1430 New Haven Rd, Naugatuck, CT
Open Wednesdays 11AM-3PM
Please bring a valid ID to the Community Test Sites.