By Cathy Iino, First Selectman, Killingworth.
Public Health Alert: Killingworth has leapfrogged over the orange level to the red level in the state’s COVID Response Framework. From October 25 to November 7, we had 15 new confirmed cases, for a daily rate of 16.9 cases per 100,000 population. Our cumulative total of cases since the beginning of the pandemic is now 45.
What does the red level mean?
- Limit trips away from home as much as possible, and avoid gatherings with people outside your household.
- If you can work from home, do so.
- Postpone indoor activities and events, and outdoor activities where masks cannot be worn and distancing maintained.
This is serious, folks. Spending time indoors–at home or elsewhere–with those who do not live in your home is a high-risk activity, for yourself and for the whole community. Most Killingworthies have been carefully observing the COVID precautions, and for that the whole town should be grateful. But the next few months are going to test our ability to keep doing what we have been doing and more.
A new way to help fight COVID. Today, the state launched COVID Alert CT, an app for smartphones that lets you know if you have been exposed to COVID-19, without disclosing any of your personal information. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices, in eight languages, and it is very simple to download.
COVID Alert CT is voluntary and anonymous. You will get an alert if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Knowing about a potential exposure allows you to self-quarantine immediately, get tested, and reduce the potential exposure risk to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others.
Please go to COVID Alert CT for more information or directly to the COVID Alert CT setup page for instructions on how to download it. This is an easy step you can take to help flatten the curve, slow the spread, and save lives.
Killingworth has over 2,000 residents age 60 and older—a group especially susceptible to serious complications from the coronavirus. For their sake, and for the sake of others who may be more vulnerable than you, please do everything you can to limit the spread of the disease. You know the drill:
- Wear a mask made of layers of tightly woven fabric over your nose and mouth.
- Avoid touching your face, and wash your hands often.
- Avoid gatherings with people who don’t live with you.
- Keep at least six feet of distance from others outside your household.
Thank you for all you are doing to help control this pandemic.
Stay safe and carry on.
