By Cathy Iino, First Selectman, Killingworth.
Hello, Killingworth–
This is the 50th Killingworth Copes message. I sent out the first one on March 20, 2020, when the second case of COVID-19 in town had just been confirmed. As of today we have had a total of 31 cases—an average, since the start, of one per week. So far, we have done a good job of preventing the virus from spreading within town.
But Connecticut is seeing COVID-19 cases return to last spring’s levels. As a result, the governor has halted the reopening and has announced a return to modified Phase 2 rules for public venues and gatherings. Among the rules, which will go into effect this Friday, are:
- Restaurants will reduce to 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 8 people at a table;
- Restaurants and entertainment venues must close by 9:30 pm, with the exception of food takeout and delivery services, which will be allowed to continue after 9:30 pm;
- Personal services, such as hair salons and barber shops, will remain at 75 percent capacity;
- Event venues will be limited to 25 people indoors, 50 people outdoors;
- Religious gatherings will be limited to 50 percent capacity, or 100 people maximum.
Town Hall. For the safety of all, on Election Day, Town Hall will be closed for all business not related to the election. Same-day voter registration is available at Town Hall, but a limited number of people will be allowed in at a time. Entrance will be by the back door; and you will exit through the front door. Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available.
After tomorrow, Town Hall will be open for all business by appointment only. Many functions can be accomplished on line or by telephone. Please call 860-663-1765 for an appointment.
Polling place. Registered voters who have not cast an absentee ballot may vote at Killingworth Elementary School, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Anyone in line by 8:00 p.m. will be able to vote, even if they have not had the opportunity before 8:00 p.m. Wear a mask and maintain social distancing, for your own sake and the sake of the poll workers and your fellow citizens.
If you cannot walk into the polls, the registrars will come to your car and allow you to vote curbside.
Absentee ballots. If you have not submitted your absentee ballot yet, you may place it in the Ballot Drop Box at Town Hall until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 3.
Free COVID-19 testing is finally available in our area. The Community Health Center is conducting PCR nasal swab tests for both symptomatic and asymptomatic residents at several mobile testing sites. Results are available in 2-3 days and can be sent via email or text.
- Wednesday, 11/4, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., St. Joseph’s Church Parish Center, 47 Middlesex Ave., Chester
- Thursday, 11/5, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook
- Thursday, 11/12, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook
- Tuesday, 11/17, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., St. Joseph’s Church Parish Center, 47 Middlesex Ave., Chester
- Thursday, 11/19, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook
You do not need to have any symptoms to get tested, and no referral or appointment is necessary. For other dates and locations, or to download and print a registration form to bring with you (which will save you time at the test site), go to www.chc1.com.
Our best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to all those in town who have contracted COVID-19. Let’s keep that number as low as possible.
Stay safe and carry on!
Cathy
