Bethel's rate of new COVID-19 infections drop down to a low of 3-percent three weeks ago, but then climb back to 4.6 percent the following week and now 5.9 percent last week.  First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker says medical experts attribute much of the rise to the presence of several of the more infectious variants of the virus now spreading in the state. Even as the governor continues to ease restrictions on gathering sizes and business activities, Knickerbocker urged residents to still be careful, practice social distancing and wearing masks.