Coronavirus Cases On The Rise In Southbury: Health Officials

SOUTHBURY, CT — The coronavirus case count for Southbury is at 437, according to a news release from the Pomperaug Health District.

"There is widespread community transmission in all three Health District towns, with cases continuing to rise every week. It is anticipated that holiday gatherings and the return of college students will contribute to a further increase in cases in the coming weeks," health officials said in the release.

Based upon information gathered during contact tracing, the main source of COVID-19 spread in Southbury, Oxford and Woodbury is household contact as well as small and large gatherings with friends and family, according to data released by the Pomperaug Health District.

These charts are derived from Connecticut Electronic Disease Surveillance System which undergoes frequent revisions. As the system is updated, the numbers may fluctuate due to corrections, as is the case with these current charts.

The data shows that this last week has seen a rise in cases for the 20-29 year-old age group, largely driven by social activities and get-togethers. Older adults continue to see a large increase in the number of cases.

"This is concerning, because this age group is at highest risk for severe illness. We are starting to see an increase in cases at congregate sites," officials said.

As a comparison, the highest number of weekly cases during the peak in the spring was 58 cases for the week of April 12. That umber has now been surpassed three weeks in a row.

The case rates for all three towns put the Health District in the red zone on the State's COVID-19 Response Framework. Recommendations for towns.

The Pomperaug Health District has provided these guidelines for residents of Southbury, Oxford and Woodbury:

• If you were tested for COVID-19 due to symptoms, being identified as a close contact, or due to recent travel, it is critical that you stay home until you get your test results, even if you are feeling well. The Health District, as well as other local health departments, have documented cases of people going to work, socializing and going to restaurants, personal care appointments and other similar activities, only to find out afterwards that their test results are positive.
• If you have been identified by the Pomperaug Health District, the school system or another health department as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, please stay home for the duration of your quarantine period. Even if you get tested and it's negative, you still need to complete the14 day quarantine because you can develop COVID-19 for up to 14 days after exposure.
• Remember that the safest way celebrate the holidays is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19.
• Wear your mask. Watch your distance. Wash your hands.