Coronavirus Rates Put Ridgefield In Red Zone: Marconi

Ridgefield CT

18 November, 2020

1:14 PM

Description

RIDGEFIELD, CT —Confirmed coronavirus cases in town have risen 96 percent in since Friday, according to a statement from First Selectman Rudy Marconi, released Wednesday. The jump in cases makes Ridgefield a red zone, the highest tier of infection tracked by the state, with 15-plus cases per 100,000 population per day over a two-week average. Since Thursday, 38 new cases have been reported in town, raising the daily new case rate to 28 cases per 100,000 residents. The state will not release its weekly update of town-by-town infection levels until Thursday, but when it does, Marconi said Ridgefield will be in the red. "I urge all Ridgefielders to please avoid gathering and reconsider Thanksgiving Day plans, as we are in a very serious situation. Many of us could be asymptomatic spreaders so please, when you must go out, wear a mask and socially distance from others. This is for your safety and for the safety of your family, friends and community," the first selectman said. State recommendations for red zone municipalities include: Individuals: High-risk individuals should stay home. Limit trips outside home, avoid gatherings with non-family members.Communities: Cancel public events and limit community gathering points, alert residents via reverse 911 system.Organized group activities: Postpone all indoor activities. Postpone outdoor activities where mask wearing or social distancing cannot be maintained at all times.Pre K-12 schools: In collaboration with local health department and superintendent, consider more distance learning if cases are greater than 25 per 100,000 residents per day over two week average. Connecticut is on track to break 100,000 coronavirus cases by the end of the week after the state recorded another 4,639 cases over the weekend. The positive test rate over the weekend was 5.38 percent. Gov. Ned Lamont and the leaders of neighboring states are considering additional coronavirus restrictions as hospitalizations continue to climb with no sign of abating anytime soon. Earlier this month the state tightened restrictions back to a modified phase 2 of its reopening plan, limiting capacity in certain venues and instituting a"last call" time for restaurants.