With East Haven in the red zone for COVID cases, East Shore District Health Department (ESDHD) announced its support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Health’s recommendation that everyone—including fully vaccinated individuals—wear a mask in public indoor settings to reduce the spread of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 and to protect the community.

At press time, East Haven is one of nearly three dozen municipalities in the state that have entered the red zone, according to the State of Connecticut’s average daily rate map. The red towns have a rate of 15 or more cases per 100,000. East Haven’s rate is 18.3 with 73 cases reported between July 25 and Aug. 7. For full statistics, visit portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-data-tracker.

“The Delta variant is now reported to be responsible for 80- to 90 percent of the positive COVID-19 cases in our state,” stated an ESDHD press release. “This variation of the COVID virus is two to three times more contagious and makes people sicker faster. When infected, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people can carry more of this virus than the original virus. Being vaccinated and wearing a mask remains the best protection one has from becoming infected and passing the virus on to others.”

In East Haven, 40 percent of those ages 12 to 17 are vaccinated, as are 44 percent of ages 18 to 24, 53 percent of ages 25 to 44, 66 percent of ages 45 to 64, and 80 percent of ages 65 and older.

In town buildings, the Town of East Haven is following the latest recommendations from the governor’s office, which includes requiring masks for those who are unvaccinated and strongly recommending that those vaccinated wear masks. Town buildings are restricted to town business. Town officials continue to regularly meet with ESDHD about the ever-changing restrictions as well as guidance for future events, such as the Fall Festival.

“We have regular meetings with the ESDHD who provide us regular information and we are constantly receiving new information from the Governor’s Office and will make decisions based on that developing information,” said Michelle Benivegna, assistant director of administration and management for the Town of East Haven. “We are closely monitoring the [COVID-19] situation as it escalates again, we will continue to meet with the health department and provide regular updates to the Fall Festival Committee, who will make the ultimate decision on changes, restrictions, or cancellations.”

“The delta variant is the dominant strain at this time and that it is more contagious than last year,” said Mayor Joe Carfora. “We continue to encourage vaccines and will continue to host vaccine clinics on the green to make sure vaccines are available to anyone who needs one.”

For information about the vaccinations or to make an appointment, call ESDHD at 203-481-4233 ext. 580 or visit www.esdhd.org.