Ellington First Selectman Issues Tips On Coronavirus Precautions

ELLINGTON, CT — In the wake of Gov. Ned Lamont's pronouncement Thursday that 32 Connecticut towns, including Ellington, have fallen into the red alert category pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic, Ellington First Selectman Lori Spielman issued an update Friday concerning the town's status and recommendations to its citizens.

Cities and towns with a daily new case rate above 15 are categorized as "red alert" communities, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

The statement from Spielman reads:

• As you may know, Ellington has been designated as a red alert zone in terms of COVID-19, which means that the average number of cases is above 15 per 100,000 people.
• Our polling locations for the Nov. 3 election will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; all workers will be following and enforcing all guidelines, including the wearing of masks, social distancing and hand sanitizing.
• All recreation programs in town have been canceled for this weekend and will not resume until the town is in the yellow or gray zone, which is 9 or fewer cases per 100K.
• Currently, we are remaining in Phase 3 of Connecticut’s reopening efforts, as far as business capacity limits go. More details on these limits can be found on the state’s website.
• I will be working closely with the North Central District Health Department to monitor all town businesses to ensure that all guidelines are being strictly followed and enforced.
• We need to remain vigilant in following all social distancing protocols, wearing masks at all times when interacting with others, and avoiding social gatherings. Please continue to practice good hand washing and sanitizing procedures.
• The Department of Public Health advises everyone to limit trips outside their home and avoid gatherings with non-family members.
• A lot of town business can be done from a distance; we have drop boxes in front of the building, as well as mail-in and online options. If your business can be handled without an in-person visit to town buildings, we recommend that you utilize these alternatives.
• Drive-through COVID-19 testing is available at no cost on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 1-4 p.m. in the back of Ellington High School; all are welcome to be tested.
• If we work together and follow all of these guidelines and practices, we can get Ellington out of the red zone; be safe, be diligent, and stay healthy. Thank you for doing your part in curbing the spread.

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