First Selectwoman: Stay Close To Home On Thanksgiving

MADISON, CT — As coronavirus cases continue to increase, Madison now finds itself, like the majority of other Connecticut cities and towns, in the so-called "red zone" category.

There are 53 active cases in Madison. And though the cases, as pointed out by First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons, are seen across many age groups, there are some "small clusters" seen as a result of "family outbreaks." Lyons said Madison’s Health Department continues to conduct contact tracing on all new cases and is "working closely with the schools to mitigate any spread."

But Lyons reiterated that many of the cases are "linked to small private gatherings, both indoors and outdoors, and youth sports related activities."

According to data reported Thursday, there are 23 active cases in Madison Public Schools, nearly all at Daniel Hand High Schools. The school went to full remote learning last week.

Lyons said that the "onslaught of cases across our state continues to highlight the need to get tested when experiencing symptoms or when in close contact with an infected person." But there are delays in getting appointments for testing as a result of demand, she said. The state Department of Public Health has added 60 testing sites to reduce wait time and create greater accessibility, she said, noting that at many, there's no appointment needed.

Click here to search for a test site.

There are also delays, Lyons said, in the reporting system for positive cases. But added that if someone does test positive, they must call the Madison Health Department at (203) 245-5681.

Lyons asked residents to stay vigilant.

"As we enter the Thanksgiving holiday week, we encourage everyone to stay close to home, plan for smaller gatherings with immediate family, and follow the CDC guidelines on celebrating this important holiday safely," she said.

"I know how frustrating these last few weeks have been for many people in our community who have been exercising good judgement and extreme caution throughout this pandemic. We cannot control what is happening across the country, but we can rededicate ourselves to making every effort possible to stop the spread in Madison. This means stepping up our vigilance when in public, and working together as a community to save lives. This includes cancelling any unnecessary travel, limiting gatherings, washing hands frequently, and wearing a mask.
Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, and stay safe, healthy and at home Madison."

Read her full remarks here.