COVID19 Press Release From Mayor Carfora

Good Afternoon,

COVID-19 is continuing to rapidly spread in our community and statewide. As of October 23, 2020, there were only nineteen (19) “Red-Alert” communities in Connecticut. At that time, East Haven was designated at level Orange, Unfortunately, as of this afternoon, our local community COVID-19 rate has increased to 15.2, leading the state of Connecticut to increase our level to Red. We are not alone as a community, as of this afternoon, most of the state is now in Red alert status including several of our neighboring communities.
Earlier week, Governor Lamont reverted the State of Connecticut to Phase 2.1. We are extremely sympathetic to businesses who have been hit hard by the pandemic. Today with my staff and the Superintendent of schools, we have decided that we will undertake limited enforcement provided that business owners follow all State mandated sector rules and continue to maintain social distancing, require face coverings, and conduct regular cleaning, and disinfecting. Enforcement will be taken with discretion in limited cases. I can assure you, that we are all partners in our community, and we will do all we can to work together as we live through this devastating pandemic.
We are currently issuing a public health alert; When at all possible we ask that you avoid in person public gatherings with non-family members. We have cancelled all town public in person events that may contribute to spread of COVID-19. If you are sick please stay home. Information on current cases can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Data-Tracker.

At this time our local health department is telling us that the spread of the virus is not happening in schools. Our schools have consistently employed key mitigation strategies that will allow our students to continue to safely attend school. At this time, schools will remain open. However, we will continue work with East Shore Health Department and the Superintendent of Schools to assess the situation and monitor the data and make adjustments to the current learning model if necessary.
The town has partnered with Fair Haven Health Clinic to hold a joint mask giveaway and COVID-19 testing event on November 11, 2020 at the East Haven Joseph Melillo Middle School from 10am-2pm. Thank you and we will continue to provide regular updates as the situation continues to develop.