Lattins Cove Boat Launch In Danbury Reopened At Half-Capacity

DANBURY, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced today that Lattins Cove state boat launch on Candlewood Lake will reopen Friday at 50 percent capacity.

Lattins Cove state boat launch was closed Aug. 26, following an uptick in new COVID-19 infections in Danbury and numerous reports of "rafting" – boats tied-up together in mass gathering – on Candlewood Lake.

Officials now say the shift in seasonal weather has reduced activity levels on the water, allowing for partial reopening of access to provide safe outdoor recreation opportunities consistent with COVID-19 prevention guidance.

DEEP, in coordination with the state Department of Public Health and local officials in Danbury, "continues to monitor the situation and will maintain increased outreach and monitoring on the lake and at the state boat launches to deter and identify gatherings on the water and at state boat launches," according to a news release.

DEEP recommends that anyone using state boat launch facilities and docks maintain a six-foot social distancing separation from non-family members. Where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn. On vessels where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn. The agency is strongly discouraging "rafting."