Press Releases
09/05/2021
CT DPH Reminds Residents About Continued Increase in Covid-19 Cases Due to the Delta Variant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 5, 2021
CONTACT: Chris Boyle, Director of Communications
(860) 706-9654 – christopher.boyle@ct.gov
CT DPH Reminds Residents About Continued Increase in Covid-19 Cases Due to the Delta Variant
HARTFORD, Conn.—On the eve of the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Connecticut Department of Public Health wants to remind the general public that COVID-19 rates are still increasing due to the Delta variant.
Deidre S. Gifford, MD, MPH, senior advisor to the Governor for Health and Human Services, and acting commissioner of DPH, said that although Connecticut is in a better place than it was a year ago thanks to the COVID vaccine, residents still should exercise caution this holiday weekend.
"The COVID vaccines are very safe and do a great job protecting against this deadly disease," said Commissioner Gifford said. "We recommend that people continue to exercise caution—even after being vaccinated—and try to avoid indoor gatherings and masking while in indoor public places."
Commissioner Gifford added that outdoors remains the safest option for all, including vaccinated or unvaccinated persons. An outdoor restaurant with proper spacing is much safer than indoor dining. Additionally, an outdoor pool and the beach are usually safe settings.
"I would recommend that unvaccinated people not dine indoors at a restaurant or bar," Commissioner Gifford said. "COVID cannot be transmitted through the water; however, I am concerned if there are too many people at a beach or other outdoor event where they can't keep their distance. If a pool or beach is so crowded and you can't keep 6 feet of distance, wear a mask or move to somewhere where it's less crowded."
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is asking unvaccinated Americans not to travel this Labor Day weekend.
"People who are fully vaccinated, and who are wearing masks can travel, although given where we are with disease transmission right now, we would say that people need to take their own these risks into their own consideration as they think about traveling," CDC Director Rochelle Wallensky, MD, MPH, said during a White House COVID-19 briefing during the week. "First and foremost, if you are unvaccinated, we would recommend not traveling."
Commissioner Gifford said another question that has been asked recently is if all party guests have all been vaccinated, can they safely gather indoors.
"That depends on the guests' medical circumstances, but it is safer to gather indoors with people whom you know to be vaccinated," Commissioner Gifford said. "The risk is low, but it's not zero. If someone is immunocompromised, they may want to stay outdoors only."
Commissioner Gifford said prior to the fall and winter holidays that residents should consider getting COVID tested at least three days before a gathering.
"In terms of COVID testing, it's important to remember that testing saves lives and is easy and quick," Commissioner Gifford said. "Residents should take a COVID test if they experience symptoms, or if they have been in close proximity with someone diagnosed with COVID."
The most common symptoms of COVID are fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, congestion, and new loss of taste or smell. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or inability to wake or stay awake.
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There are approximately 309 COVID testing sites throughout Connecticut. Information and specifics about each location—including hours of operation, whether an appointment is needed, and whether the site offers pediatric testing— is easily accessible by calling 211 or visiting www.211ct.org.
Published by Heather Trabal, MD
Heather.Trabal@ct.gov