HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a statewide COVID-19 alert Friday for Labor Day weekend due to concerns over planned gatherings and recent clusters of cases.
DPH Acting Commissioner Deidre Gifford urges state residents to take all necessary precautions during the holiday weekend to avoid exposure to COVID-19.
The call for extra caution goes for all residents but especially for young adults, Gifford said.
This is due to recent clusters of cases seen among college students, DPH officials said.
The University of Connecticut has reported a total of 89 cumulative positive cases among residential students since their arrival for the fall semester. At Sacred Heart University, 10 cases have occurred among off-campus students, with more test results pending. DPH officials said the university shut down campus access for all students Friday as a precaution.
"If you are getting together with anyone who doesn't live with you, please: wear your mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently, and use hand sanitizer," Gifford said.
Local health departments, according to Gifford, will be monitoring restaurants and other public spaces to be sure safety protocols are followed.