Coronavirus Infection Rate Rising In Monroe

MONROE, CT — Connecticut is in the midst of a coronavirus surge as cases have doubled from where they were two weeks ago.

Connecticut led the country for the largest percent increase in coronavirus cases as of Thursday., according to the New York Times. New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts were also in the top 10.

However, Connecticut ranks in the middle of the pack proportionally; there were 43 cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days.

Monroe had 48.1 average daily cases per 100,000 residents and a positive test rate of 8.00 percent between Nov. 21 and Dec. 4, according to the state Department of Public Health. There were 37.9 average daily cases per 100,000 residents in the previous two-week reporting period. It’s important to note that a few cases can have a large impact on a municipal case rate, especially for small towns.

In a statement, Monroe First Selectman Ken Kellogg encouraged residents to get vaccinated to help slow down the spread of the virus.

"Vaccination continues to be very effective in reducing the risk and severity of illness," Kellogg said. "While breakthrough cases continue to be reported, this remains a relatively smaller number. Of all fully vaccinated Connecticut residents, those contracting the virus is just over 1 percent. Furthermore, data indicates that unvaccinated individuals are 5 times more likely to be infected and 12 times more likely of being hospitalized."

Nearly all of Connecticut’s towns are now in the red zone for coronavirus infections, but some are far outpacing others for per capita infections. Plainfield had nearly 100 average daily cases per 100,000 residents over two weeks and a positive test rate of 14.5 percent; both indicators of widespread cases.

Monroe recorded 89 new coronavirus cases between Dec. 3-9, according to DPH’s preliminary data.

Around 71 percent of Monroe residents are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus as of Dec. 8, according to DPH.

"Starting next week, we will be transitioning our Town booster vaccination clinics to individual appointments at the Monroe Health Department offices," Kellogg said. "Starting [Friday, Dec. 10], and every Friday around noon, we will post any available appointments for the following week at www.MonroeCT.org/COVID-19."