Coronavirus Clusters Among Teens, Young Adults Worry CT Officials

CONNECTICUT — Recent coronavirus outbreak clusters among teenagers and young adults are a source of concern for Connecticut’s governor and top state health official.

“This is a virus that can spread rapidly,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a news release. “A small cluster of cases can turn into hundreds of new infections within days. If you multiply that, we are looking at major impact to our ability to continue to reopen our economy or even send children back to school in September for in-person instruction.”

Connecticut statistics show 18- to 29-year-olds have represented substantial numbers of new infections in recent weeks, officials said. Lamont urged residents to wear a face mask, wash their hands and maintain social distancing wherever possible to prevent virus transmission — a message that was also shared by Deidre Gifford, acting commissioner of the Department of Public Health.

“Remember that as many as 40 percent of COVID cases can be asymptomatic,” Gifford said in the news release. “That means if you go to a party with a crowd and without a mask, even if you are feeling well you can spread COVID to others who may become very ill.”

Gifford said people looking to safely socialize should gather outside in small groups and keep 6 feet from others. State guidelines limit indoor gatherings to 25 people or less, she said.

“We understand the importance of socializing and seeing friends after so many months of social distancing,” Gifford said. “With these simple but effective steps, we can keep Connecticut safe and still enjoy time with friends and family.”

Connecticut's health department has received anecdotal, unconfirmed information about youth sports teams traveling to states on Connecticut’s travel advisory list. Teams that visit states on the list must cancel practices and competition for 14 days after their return to comply with a self-quarantine order from the governor, or face the possibility of a $1,000 penalty, the news release said.

“Connecticut has one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the country right now, but if we are not careful, this can change rapidly,” Lamont said. “This is a time for remaining vigilant.”

The state's coronavirus-related hospitalizations have declined to just a few dozen, far from the peak in late April when nearly 2,000 people were being treated in hospitals.

“We do not want to end up with uncontrolled outbreaks like those being seen across much of the south and western portions of the United States,” Lamont said.

See also: CT Teachers Worried About Safety Of Reopening Plans: Survey

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