The Connecticut Department of Public Health released its weekly COVID-19 Alert Map, which indicates that 68 cities and towns in Connecticut are now in the red zone alert level, the highest of the state’s four alert levels. Bethel is one of them.
Today, Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker addressed the community reporting that Bethel is now in the COVID RED Zone due to an increase in positive cases.
Please read the important message from Knickerbocker below.
The number of new COVID-19 infections continue to rise around the state and in our area. Bethel's two-week rolling daily average of new cases climbed to 19.3, putting us squarely in the "red" zone. To be fair, part of the big jump is due to a change in metrics used by the state; the figure now includes "probable" cases along with "confirmed" cases, which automatically inflates the numbers. But no matter how it's measured, it's clear that the so-called "second wave" has begun. You can see the full state status map with individual town statistics by clicking here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Data-Tracker
As a result, Governor Lamont has instituted new restrictions on certain activities and gatherings. The guidelines are essentially a roll-back from the less restrictive "Phase 3" guidelines from last summer to a modified version of "Phase 2" restrictions, now referred to as Phase 2.1. Highlights appear below, and you can see the full list of requirements for individuals and businesses by clicking here: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Sector-Rules-and-Certification-for-Reopen
RESTAURANTS
- Capacity reduced to 50%.
- Maximum of 8 people per table.
- Indoor dining must close by 9:30pm (take-out may remain open).
COMMERCIAL EVENT VENUES
- New limit of 25 people indoors; 50 outdoors.
- NOTE: Events previously scheduled for this weekend (such as wedding receptions, retirement parties, etc.) are grandfathered and need NOT be cancelled.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS IN PRIVATE RESIDENCES
I am calling special attention to the lower restrictions on private social gatherings show above for a reason: data continues to show that most transmissions are occurring when people get a little too close and comfortable with friends and family members with whom they have been socializing with and become less disciplined with safety precautions.
Based on my own experience, I believe the people of Bethel have done a great job in keeping themselves and others safe when in public. I am now asking my friends and neighbors to be just as diligent in your own homes and with your own families.
I know this is the last thing anyone wants to hear. Everyone is sick of COVID and sick of not being able to do the things we love to do, especially with holidays coming up that mean so much to our families. But if history is a guide, we need to buckle down and be disciplined about staying safe just a little longer. Until the vaccine is available, it's the only way to prevent the most vulnerable in our society from a terrible disease, as well as protect our fragile economy and keep our schools open.