An increase of positive COVID-19 cases in a two-week period led the state Department of Public Health to upgrade the alert for Clinton to a red alert—the highest alert level—on Nov. 5. Here is a breakdown of what that means.

According to a post on the official town Facebook page, The Connecticut River Area Health District attributes the increase due to social gatherings and spread within families. In the two weeks from Oct. 28 to Nov. 12 alone, Clinton’s cases rose by 32. In the two weeks preceding that, Clinton’s cases also roses by more than 20.

At press time, there have been 151 confirmed cases in Clinton. Per the state’s guidelines, under a red alert people are recommend to limit trips outside the home and avoid gatherings with non-family members. Public gatherings and events are also recommended to be canceled.

COVID alert levels can be tracked at portal.ct.gov/coronavirus.

Free drive-through testing provided by Community Health Center is now available in Old Saybrook at 154 College Street at Saybrook Point. The testing is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are not required and all ages can be tested.

The Schools

The rising incidence of COVID in the community has also affected the schools. Cases have been reported by members of the Joel School, Eliot Middle School, and The Morgan School all reported during the first week of November. Press releases from the school state that the individuals were contacted and told to isolate at home for 14 days and the people who had contact with them were also contacted.

In light of the rising numbers, the Clinton Public Schools announced on Nov. 7 that the district would change its instruction model. Eliot and Morgan students were fully remote for the week of Nov. 9 and then will be using a hybrid model through the Thanksgiving holiday the week of Nov. 23. Joel will use the hybrid model Nov. 9 through the Thanksgiving holiday.

The hybrid model is what the schools were using when term started in September and used up until mid-October when the schools converted to being fully in person. Under a hybrid model, the schools are divided into smaller cohorts to reduce the amount of people in a building at once. The cohorts will alternate between attending school in person and attending class virtually from home. The district will continue to monitor the COVID numbers in the community and evaluate the best learning model for the district.

What’s Next

The higher rates of COVID in Clinton has led to events and activities being postponed or canceled. The popular Christmas in Clinton festival held each December for more than 20 years has been canceled and The Morgan School’s fall sports season has also ended early. People are strongly discouraged from having large gatherings with extended family members on the Thanksgiving holiday.

To help turn the tide against COVID, on Nov. 12 the state launched COVID Alert CT, a free app available on iPhone and Android that lets people know if they’ve been exposed to the virus. The app does not disclose personal information and participation on the app is encouraged to help make the app as effective as possible.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever, chills, or nausea

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

All residents in the Town of Clinton are strongly encouraged to take preventative actions to help protect themselves and the community as your civic responsibility, these include:

• Wearing a mask

• Staying home if you are sick except to get medical care

• Maintain social distancing of six feet when in public

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

• Washing your hands with soap and water frequently and for at least 20 seconds

• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands after

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces

For updates on COVID-19 check the following:

• Connecticut River Area Health District (www.crahd.org) or Facebook (@CRAHD1)

• Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus)

• State of Connecticut (www.ct.gov/coronavirus)

• Town of Clinton (www.clintonct.org) or Facebook (@TownofClintonConnecticut)