Press Release - DPH Town Level Covid Response Framework

A recent uptick in coronavirus cases across Connecticut has prompted state officials to turn to a color-coded alert system that will be used to help local leaders make decisions about schools, businesses and social gatherings. The state is moving toward allowing municipalities to make independent decisions on capacity and other rules that were previously a one-size-fits-all approach for Connecticut. The change comes as there is an uptick in coronavirus cases, specifically in southeastern Connecticut. The system, which consists of red, orange and yellow color coding, caught the interest of people across Connecticut recently after several red alerts in area towns. This could prompt some changes related to whether schools are open, whether restaurants can follow Phase 3 reopening guidelines and whether social gatherings can increase in size.

Municipalities fall into the red category if they have 15 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus per 100,000 residents. There is also an orange (10-14 cases per 100,000 residents per day) and yellow (5-9 cases per 100,000 residents per day).

If a municipality falls into the red alert category, the Department of Public Health recommends high-risk people stay home, a public health alert should be sent out and residents should limit trips outside their homes while avoiding gatherings with non-family members. In addition, towns are encouraged to cancel public events, organized groups should postpone indoor activities and outdoor events where social distancing can’t be followed and masks cannot be worn. Those towns are also given the option to revert to Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.

Under Phase 2, indoor restaurants, salons and barber shops were allowed to increase from 50 percent indoor capacity to 75 percent. Indoor wedding venues were also allowed to increase occupancy to up to 100 people or up to 50 percent of maximum capacity. Outdoor private events moved from 100 to 150 people. Schools could be affected by a town’s classification but the local school district is recommended to work with the local health department in determining whether schools should consider

distance learning, at least on a temporary basis. Old Saybrook Public Schools have been diligent in following all state and local guidelines.

The Town of Old Saybrook recently has seen an uptick in the number of Covid-19 cases. The newer cases came fast and furious and actually gave Old Saybrook some of its higher case numbers in quite some time. The spike in cases means we have been placed, at least temporarily, in the orange category. The bad news is that we had a spike in cases. The good news is that we have had no more than one new case in the last 7 days. If we can maintain our good practices, Old Saybrook should be removed from the orange classification and off the state’s warning list.

Thank you Old Saybrook for you diligence in fighting this virus. Keep up the good work and please get yourself a flu shot!

Carl P. Fortuna Jr.
First Selectman