HARTFORD, Conn — For the latest coronavirus news, click here. Refresh often for new information as it becomes available. Scroll down for updates for the week of June 14.
June 20
Governor Lamont releases latest CT COVID-19 numbers Saturday
Gov. Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 12 p.m.:
According to the latest updates, hospitalizations in Connecticut continue to decline as the state's Phase 2 reopening was launched this week. There are currently 150 people being treated.
A total number of 45,715 people are confirmed to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 4,251 virus-related deaths have been reported in the state.
Fairfield and New Haven counties lead Connecticut with the highest number of cases. However, the most COVID related deaths have been reported out of Hartford County.
June 19
Bridgeport opens city parks for grilling
Grilling will be allowed in Bridgeport public parks. Mayor Joe Ganim made the announcement on Friday.
Seaside Park and Beardsley Park will have a limited parking capacity of 30% due to COVID-19. The hours of operation have been expanded to 10 am – 4 pm to 8 am - 6 pm.
The Restrooms that are currently open are the following:
- Seaside West Beach
- Seaside Casino Bathhouse
- Beardsley Park at All-Inclusive Playground
Governor Lamont releases latest CT COVID-19 numbers Friday
Hospitalizations continue to go down as the state's Phase 2 reopening began this week. There are now 172 people in the hospital with the virus. There are 45,557 people confirmed to have COVID and there are now 4,238 deaths.
Windham County has the lowest cases and COVID related deaths in the state. Windham County has 264 people confirmed with the virus and nine probable. The county has 13 people who have died due to the virus and one probably death.
June 18
Mohegan Sun reopens some shops and restaurants
The Casino announced on Thursday that many of its restaurants and shops have reopened in accordance with Connecticut's Phase 2 reopening.
Some of the restaurants and shops include Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill, and Summer Shack.
For the full list, click here.
Current hospitalizations drop below 200 for the first time since pandemic began
There are currently 176 people hospitalized in Connecticut for COVID-19, which is the lowest number to date since the state starting keeping track in mid-March. The state has 45,440 people with the virus and 4,226 deaths.
Fairfield County has the most COVID-19 associated deaths with 1058 confirmed and 294 probable deaths. Hartford County has the third most cases in the state but the second most COVID-19 associated deaths with 1029 confirmed and 307 probably. Windham County has the least COVID-19 cases and associated deaths in the state.
For more on June 18 COVID-19 statistics, click here.
New Haven Housing Authority announces break from July rent
The New Haven Housing Authority announces residents in their properties will not have to pay July rent in an effort to help struggling families recover financially from COVID-19.
The rent announcement only applies to New Haven Housing Authority properties, but officials hope the decision will inspire other section 8 landlords to do the same.
Public funds are not being used to do this, according to officials.
June 17
Gov. Lamont releases COVID-19 numbers
According to the governor's office, Connecticut has seen an increase of 80 coronavirus cases since Tuesday. 365,916 tests have been reported in the state.
A total of 45,429 people have now tested positive. 4,219 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported. That is up 9 from the day before.
Wednesday also marked the lowest percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in the state since the beginning of the pandemic, with 80 cases or 1.2% positivity rate.
“I can’t stop saying how impressed I am at the people of Connecticut for listening to the advice of public health professionals and taking the appropriate actions to bend the curve,” Governor Lamont said. “The people of Connecticut are having an impact, and that is exactly why our state has been identified as one of only a handful in the nation to be ‘trending better.’ However, this isn’t over, and the last thing we want is to set ourselves back and erase all of the progress we’ve made. Each of us needs to continue doing our part to prevent a renewed spread of this virus. Seeing so many people wearing masks and having this resulting data tells me our residents are looking out for each other.”
Hospitalizations continue to trend downward, as 186 people are currently being treated.
JCC of Greater New Haven to reopen June 22
JCC of Greater New Haven will be opening for members. Monday, June 22 is the first day of JCC Day Camps, which will be followed by the opening of our indoor pool, outdoor recreational activities for families, and the fitness center.
June 15
Mystic and Maritime Aquariums to reopen June 20
Two major state attractions, one in the southeast part of the state, the other in the southwest, have announced plans to reopen Saturday.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will reopen to the public this Saturday .... June 20.
In working to meet federal and state public-health guidelines, we will open with some changes, including: reduced capacity, advance online tickets only with timed entries, mask requirements, one-way flow, and physical distancing. The cafeteria and IMAX Theater won't reopen initially.
Mystic Aquarium said “We are excited to take another step forward as we continue our efforts to benefit the region’s economy, to send a positive message to all that Connecticut is strong and recovering and that Mystic Aquarium is a safe and inspirational respite for people during this time of rebound and rediscovery,” said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium.
Stanley Black & Decker Donates $50,000 to help Foodshare fight COVID-19 in Greater Hartford
Foodshare today received a donation from Stanley Black & Decker to support the organization’s mission in the fight against hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic. This gift will be used to help support Foodshare’s efforts in providing food to people in need in Hartford and Tolland counties; many individuals new to food insecurity.
“All of us here at Foodshare are so appreciative to Stanley Black & Decker for their tremendous leadership gift. Their level of generosity is certainly appreciated at any time, but even more so given the world in which we are currently living and trying to do business. And as a New Britain native, I’m proud to see my hometown company step-up in such a major way! Thank you!” said Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO, Foodshare.
“Stanley Black & Decker is immensely proud of our partnership with Foodshare, which is just one part of our company-wide effort to empower the front lines in the fight against COVID-19,” said Stanley Black & Decker Director of Public Affairs, Abigail Dreher. “True to our purpose – For Those Who Make The World – we are committed to doing our part by helping communities and governments mitigate the effects of the virus.”
Harry's Pizza to reopen dining room on Wednesday
Harry's Pizza in West Hartford is one of the many restaurants that expect to reopen their dining room on Wednesday.
"We are also happy to continue serving you with take-out and delivery if you prefer to enjoy Harry’s at home. We want to thank all of our loyal customers who have enjoyed delivery and take-out over the past 3 months. You are the reason why we are here to re-open for your dining pleasure," said the owners in an email.
They are located on 39 South Main Street, West Hartford.
June 14
Gov. Ned Lamont's office released its daily update on stats in the state's fight against the Coronavirus, indicating the downward trend in the figures.
As of Sunday, 45,088 people have tested positive, an increase of 94; Fifteen more people have died, 4,201 people have died; 205 people are currently hospitalized which is a decrease of 28 and 347,190 more tests have been reported bringing the total to 4,852.
Hartford Public Library will offer contactless service starting June 22
Hartford Public Library will start the process of restoring services in mid-June by opening up its book drops for returns and taking hold requests for books and other materials.
Complete information about the service restoration can be found here: https://hplct.libguides.com/pickup or by going to the Hartford Public Library app.
“We continue to be cautious and deliberate in our preparations to resume service because the health and safety of our entire community is our priority during this pandemic,” said Bridget Quinn-Carey, HPL president and CEO.
Customers can begin to return items to book drops on Monday, June 15. The materials will be quarantined for 72 hours prior to being checked back in. Fines for overdue materials will continue to be waived until September 1, 2020. Book drops are available at the Downtown Library, Park Branch, Albany Branch, Camp Field Branch, and Dwight Branch.
Customers may begin to place holds on materials starting Monday, June 15. The library will introduce a new service called “HPL Grab Bag.” A customer who is looking for something to read or watch but might not be sure of just what to pick can fill out a form online about their interests and an HPL librarian will select books for them to try. Customers who don’t have online access can call the library to access the service.
