FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2021
CONTACT: Chris Boyle, Director of Communications
(860) 706-9654 – christopher.boyle@ct.gov
Connecticut Department of Public Health Issues
Health Alert For Fairfield, Tolland And Windham Counties
HARTFORD, Conn. – The Connecticut Department of Public Health is issuing a health alert today in response to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) moving Fairfield, Tolland and Windham counties into the “substantial transmission” category. Fairfield, Tolland and Windham counties join Hartford, New Haven and New London counties, which are also in the substantial transmission category per the CDC classification system.
“Per guidance this week from the CDC, anyone over age two who lives, works or travels throughout these counties should wear a mask when in public indoor spaces,” said Deidre S. Gifford, MD, MPH, senior advisor to the Governor for Health and Human Services, and acting commissioner of DPH. “This alert applies to all residents in these areas whether they are vaccinated or not.”
Commissioner Gifford added that all Connecticut residents who have underlying medical conditions who are at high risk for complications of COVID, or residents who live with high risk or unvaccinated individuals should also consider wearing masks in indoor public spaces. This includes vaccinated family members who live with young children who are not yet eligible for vaccination.
Governor Ned Lamont’s Executive Order 12A remains in effect which requires all individuals who have not been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when indoors and unable to maintain adequate distance from others.
“We are seeing that the dominant Delta variant can infect those who are vaccinated and that they can transmit the COVID infection to others. But I cannot stress enough that the vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID,” Commissioner Gifford said.
COVID vaccines are readily available at hundreds of locations across Connecticut and everyone who is eligible should consider receiving the vaccine.