COVID Positivity Rate Takes Unwelcomed Jump
Unfortunately, after a long decline following the winter holidays, the positivity rate, or the rate of new COVID infections has been ticking back up steadily for the past few weeks. This is happening at both the state and local levels.
Here in Bethel, we've seen our rate of new infections drop down to a low of 3.0% three weeks ago, but then climb back to 4.6% the following week and now 5.9% in the current week. Medical experts attribute much of the rise to the presence of several of the more infectious variants of the virus now spreading in the state.
Even as the governor continues to ease restrictions on gathering sizes and business activities, these numbers tell us that we still need to be careful, we still need to practice social distancing and we still need to keep wearing our masks to protect our families and others around us.
Vaccine Eligibility Expands April 1
Governor Lamont recently announced another increase in federal COVID vaccine supplies and another expansion of eligibility. Beginning Thursday, April 1st all Connecticut residents aged 16 and higher will be able to register to receive the vaccine.
Vaccines are now available through many sources. A complete list appears below:
State of CT https://portal.ct.gov/Vaccine-Portal
Town of Bethel https://www.bethel-ct.gov/content/117/478/20695.aspx