Redding COVID-19 cases spike in November

REDDING — Town officials are warning residents of a COVID-19 resurgence that has led to a substantial uptick in cases over the last month.

First selectwoman Julian Pemberton says the spike is concerning.

“This is essentially a fire storm of increase in our cases,” she said.

“Contact tracing has revealed that human behavior is still the main driver in transmission. Any gathering for whatever reason has the potential to spread the virus,” officials said in the post.

“And on top of the yet to be known impacts of Thanksgiving travel and gatherings, the positive numbers are expected to rise continually into February. This reinforces the need to be careful when out in public taking care of necessities because these are interactions that we can’t always control,” the post continued.

Redding’s contact tracing shows the virus is spreading heavily through personal gatherings and the town has yet to feel the impact of Thanksgiving activities and travel. Hartline said he’s heard of eight-person gatherings where seven of the eight attendees contracted the virus shortly after.

Hartline anticipates the rest of the holiday season to be a “replica of Thanksgiving,” and cases will continue to pile up in the coming weeks. He says it “sounds like we’re sailing into a storm,” and success depends on limiting gatherings.

The recent uptick in cases has led Region 9 Superintendent, Rydell Harrison, to continue distance learning until Dec. 23, with hopes of returning students to inperson instruction on Jan. 4. “Determination of the learning model (hybrid or inperson) will be communicated prior to the return from winter recess and will be made based upon the health metrics at that time,” Harrison said.

Although a vaccine is expected to be just a few days away from distribution, a majority of the population will not be vaccinated until later in 2021, according to Gov. Ned Lamont’s timeline.

“Department of Public Health Commissioner (Deidre) Gifford said by summer the state will have a better idea whether to consider reducing some of the COVID restrictions and added that getting back to some semblance of life as we know it depends on how many people take the vaccine and how effective it is,” officials said in the post.

Pemberton asks residents to keep in mind that it is a “very fluid situation,” that everyone is doing the best they can with the information they have to keep people safe.

Redding leaders are emphasizing the need for residents to be careful and take necessary precautions for their safety.

“I know that many people don’t agree with the measures we’re taking and feel we’re creating a culture of fear. I would say we’re not creating a culture of fear. We’re creating a culture where we ought to respect the need to keep not only ourselves safe, but our neighbors,” she said. “For the short term it’s something we have to do and I would ask them (resident) to please be mindful. Wear your masks and stay at home if you can.”