The following is an update from First Selectman Ken Kellogg:
MONROE, CT — This week we observed an increase in cases as compared to recent weeks. While not alarming, it is certainly concerning, in that the trend is showing increased cases among those in their teens and twenties. This is a trend that is being experienced statewide, and it appears this is likely due to behavior, and not any significant change in the virus.
Many cases are being reported in the state among these age groups and, through contact tracing, have been linked to parties or other social gatherings of teens and young adults. I must emphasize once again that currently, our best tools to contain this virus remain social distancing and masks.
Some reminders of specific state restrictions that remain in force:
Private social gatherings remain limited to 25 indoors and 100 outdoors.
Masks or cloth face coverings are required when in public and a six-foot distance is unavoidable. For essential businesses, a mask does not need to be worn if an individual has a medical condition preventing them from doing so.
For non-essential businesses, an owner has the right to refuse service to an individual not wearing a mask. The state has also advised that a face shield is not a sufficient replacement for a mask.
Travel advisory
Self-quarantining after certain travel is now mandatory.
There are currently 35 states, and the District of Columbia, listed on the state’s travel advisory. Residents returning from travel from these states are now required to submit a travel health form and self-quarantine for 14 days.
An Executive Order by the Governor has made this mandatory, and willful violations are now subject to state civil penalties of $1,000. Please note, obtaining a COVID-19 test is not an alternative to the quarantine order, unless the traveler is unable to quarantine, the test was done 72 hours prior to returning to Connecticut, and the negative test results are submitted to the State.
Please refer to the information available at this link.
Schools
The State released further guidance this week regarding the options of public schools returning to full in- classroom, remote learning, or a hybrid approach. The state has released guidance to assist in local decisions, based upon regional metrics that would allow the model used to change as conditions warrant. Our Acting Superintendent of Schools is communicating regularly with our school community regarding these decisions.
Absentee ballot box at police station entrance
One of the Governor’s Executive Orders mandates that all municipalities provide a drop box as a valid option for voters to return an absentee ballot. The absentee ballot drop box is treated as a valid “mail in” option for the return of the ballot.
Monroe’s drop box is located outside of the Police Department’s front entrance. Voters may use the ballot drop box at any day, and at any hour, including nights and weekends. Please note that this area, including the drop box, is under video surveillance, and tampering with ballots is a felony.
If you mailed in an absentee ballot application, your absentee ballot will be mailed to you by the Secretary of the State’s office. We have been advised that ballots started mailing last week.
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 203-452-2800 ext. 1027 or email [email protected].
