Bethel residents over the age of 65 have two ways to register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.  One is with the Bethel-Redding clinic that has been set up specifically for local residents, and with the Vaccine Administration Management System, VAMS.

First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker advised all eligible residents to register with both and accept the first appointment that is offered. Online registration forms can be accessed on the town's website and the state's online portal.

While the CDC hasn't come out with a formal recommendation, the agency is now saying extra precautions work in fighting the spread of COVID-19.  Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker says recent students have shown that “double-masking” can reduce transmissibility of the COVID virus by up to 97.5%.

Several of the more virulent forms of the virus have been found in the state, so health authorities advise everyone to be extra cautious this winter season.