CONNECTICUT, USA — Updates from the fight against COVID-19 here in Connecticut
Jan. 15
Hospitalizations continue to decrease, positive rate up to 6.2%
Governor Ned Lamont's office released the state's latest COVID-19 statistics showing a decrease for the second day in a row of hospitalizations.
Connecticut administered 30,303 tests and 1,879 came back positive, yielding a positivity rate of 6.2 percent. Hospitalizations decreased by 20 patients, bring the total number of people being treated for COVID in the hospital to 1,098 people.
There were 41 newly reported COVID-19 related deaths. Connecticut's death toll has now reached 6,594 people.
Norwich Public Schools to move to remote learning until Feb. 1
The Superintendent of Norwich Public Schools announced that due to staffing issues caused by close contact quarantine for COVID-19.
As a result, Superintendent has moved all schools to the remote learning model until February 1.
"I am hopeful that over the next 2 weeks the health metrics will improve, more community members will have the opportunity to vaccinate, our staffing will become more stable and we can reopen in hybrid once again," said the Superintendent.
For more information click here.
UConn women's basketball game versus Providence postponed
In the is tumultuous college basketball season, another UConn women's basketball game has been postponed.
The Providence Friars announced a pause in team activities on January 12 and then said on Wednesday they have extended the pause due to more COVID-19 related issues.
Jan. 14
Positivity rate drops to 4.37%, hospitalizations down by 30
The Governor's Office released the latest COVID-19 statistics showing a drop in positivity rate and hospitalizations.
Connecticut administered 22,171 tests and 968 came back positive, yielding a positivity rate of about 4.37 percent. Current hospitalizations also dropped by 30 patients Thursday. There are now 1,118 patients being treated for COVhere9 in the hospital.
There were 17 new COVID-19 related deaths reported Thursday, bringing the death toll to 6,553 people.
Connecticut is fifth in the nation in terms of percentage of population vaccinated. As of Thursday, 171,035 people have been vaccinated in Connecticut. Due to the state's fast pace, we received an additional 50,000 doses of the vaccine.
People who are 75 and older can now begin to schedule their appointments to get the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, click here.
Waterbury Public Schools continue virtual learning through end of month
In a letter to the Waterbury Public Schools Community, Superintendent Verna D. Ruffin announced the decision to continue virtual learning until they feel that a safe return to in-person learning is possible.
Ruffin said the decision was made despite district officials being hopeful to resume the hybrid learning model next Tuesday, January 19.
Students and families can expect officials to reassess a date of return to the hybrid model on January 29.
According to the letter, all students will continue to follow their same daily start and end times and will be in session Monday through Friday.
"It is my hope that we will, through our collective efforts, return to a sense of normalcy soon," Superintendent Ruffin said. "I have no doubt that we are all committed to seeing our children flourish again in school. I know my entire staff will continue to work tirelessly towards a hybrid model return as soon as it is safe."
More important information below:
The Food Service Department will continue to provide meals for Monday through Sunday. They will be available for pick up at the following schools Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ALL children 18 and under can pick up (or a parent or guardian can pick up) meals, which include breakfast, lunch, a snack, supper and the fresh fruit and vegetable of the day.
- Bunker Hill Elementary School: 170 Bunker Hill Avenue
- Carrington Elementary School: 24 Kenmore Avenue
- Chase Elementary School: 40 Woodtick Road
- Crosby High School: 300 Pierpont Road
- Driggs Elementary School: 77 Woodlawn Terrace
- Duggan Elementary School: 38 West Porter Street
- Generali Elementary School: 3196 East Main Street
- Gilmartin Elementary School: 94 Spring Lake Road
- Hopeville Elementary School: 2 Cypress Street
- Kennedy High School: 422 Highland Avenue
- Kingsbury Elementary School: 220 Columbus Boulevard
- Reed Elementary School: 33 Griggs Street
- Regan Elementary School: 2780 North Main Street
- Rotella Elementary School: 380 Pierpont Road
- Sprague Elementary School: 1443 Thomaston Avenue
- Tinker Elementary School: 809 Highland Avenue
- Walsh Elementary School: 55 Dikeman Street
- Waterbury Arts Magnet School: 16 South Elm Street
- Washington Elementary School: 685 Baldwin Street
- Waterbury Career Academy: 175 Birch Street
- West Side Middle School: 483 Chase Parkway
- Wilby High School: 568 Bucks Hill Road
CT Post Mall Expanding Its Free COVID-19 Testing Days
Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC) at CT Post Mall is now expanding its free COVID-19 testing days starting Friday, January 15.
TIME: Every Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
WHERE: 1201 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460 (in front of Sears)
CHC offers free drive-up and walk-up COVID-19 testing to children and adults of all ages. Individuals do not need to be experiencing symptoms, have a referral or make an appointment to be tested. Results are generally available in 2 days.
To learn more, click here.
Jan. 13
Positivity rate drops back down to 6.23%, hospitalizations decrease
After reporting a COVID positivity rate of 10.72 percent Tuesday, Connecticut's positivity rate has dropped down to 6.23 percent. The state administered 56,600 tests and 3,529 came back positive.
Hospitalizations also saw a slight dip in patients on Wednesday by six people. There are now 1,148 patients being treated in the hospital for the virus.
Connecticut saw 87 new reported COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the death toll to 6,536 people.
Jan. 12
COVID-19 positivity rate soars to over 10%, hospitalizations increase
Governor Ned Lamont's office released the latest COVID-19 statistics showing Connecticut's positivity rate has soared to 10.72 percent. Connecticut administered 34,422 tests and 3,689 came back positive.
Hospitalizations increased by 12 people Tuesday, bringing the total number of patients to 1,154. There were also 31 new COVID-19 related deaths reported. Connecticut's COVID-19 death toll is now 6,449 people.
UConn women's basketball's game scheduled for this Wednesday, Jan. 13, vs. Seton Hall has been postponed.
Officials said out of an abundance of caution, the Huskies are postponing following the announcement of Providence's pause due to COVID-19 related issues within its program.
The women's game slated for Saturday, Jan. 16, has also been postponed, the team said Tuesday. Villanova women's basketball is on pause following COVID-19 issues within the program.
A rescheduled date will be announced at a later date.
The Huskies next scheduled game is against Butler next Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Jan. 11
Hospitalizations continue to rise from over weekend, positivity rate down
The Governor's office released the latest COVID-19 statistics Monday afternoon.
Connecticut administered 116,244 tests and 7,364 came back positive, yielding a positivity rate of 6.33 percent.
There were 33 new hospitalizations reported over the weekend, bringing the total number of patients in Connecticut's hospitals to 1,142 patients. There were 92 reported COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the death toll to 6,416 people.
Gov. Lamont, state officials warn of COVID-19 vaccination scams
As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to become available to more people, officials say everyone should be aware of potential scams related to it and be on the lookout for certain warning signs that can help them avoid being scammed.
“This is a crucial time for Connecticut’s response efforts and I am happy that we are among the states leading the nation in our vaccination efforts,” Governor Lamont said. “But I know where there is success, scams can follow, and we can’t let bad actors interfere with our efforts to ensure our residents are healthy, and we bounce back from this pandemic strong. I encourage anyone who see suspicious behavior or signs of a scam to report it.”
Residents are reminded of following:
- No one from a legitimate vaccine distribution site will ever ask for your Social Security number of bank information in order to receive a vaccine.
- Internet scammers may post as legitimate businesses or organizations related to the distribution of the vaccine in an effort to steal personal or financial information.
- There are a limited number of federally approved vaccines and treatments.
People should be aware of anyone offering a “miracle cure,” treatment, or medication that claims to prevent the virus and is not one of the federally approved vaccines.
Officials say if you become aware of a vaccine-related scam or believes they may be the victim of a scam, they should file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection by visiting ct.gov/DCP or sending an email to dcp.complaints@ct.gov.
“As Connecticut continues to serve as a model for states across the nation for its vaccination efforts, it’s critical that we don’t let bad actors disrupt our monumental progress,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “It’s important for our residents to help us be our watchdogs by reporting suspicious behavior, such as individuals asking for your Social Security number or bank account information, or promising early access to the vaccine.”
“Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things we can do to stop COVID-19,” Attorney General William Tong said. “Scammers are out there looking to profit off our anticipation and anxiety. There is no miracle cure, and you cannot pay to jump the line. Make sure you are getting information directly from reputable sources, including your employer, your medical provider or the state’s ct.gov/covidvaccine site.”
“Getting vaccinated is an important step in stopping the spread of COVID-19,” Connecticut Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said. “Unfortunately, scammers often follow the news cycle and may try to take advantage of people in a high stress time. So, the Department of Consumer Protection is reminding the public to be vigilant and to take steps to protect themselves from both scams and COVID-19.”
“To protect yourself and your family it is important to remain aware of the signs of a scam,” Connecticut Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James C. Rovella said. “If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, notify state and local law enforcement and local public health officials as soon as possible.”
Latest on coronavirus from state officials
Today at 4:00 p.m., Governor Ned Lamont will hold a news briefing to provide updates on the State of Connecticut’s coronavirus response efforts.
Renters in need: Blumenthal, Housing Advocates highlight critical funding in relief package
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal will join housing advocates to highlight that Connecticut expects to receive $237 million to support struggling families with assistance to pay past due rent, future rent payments, as well as utility and energy expenses. The legislation, included in the recently passed relief package, will also extend the CDC eviction moratorium thorough January 31, 2021.
Jan. 10
Connecticut finishes 1st round of nursing home vaccinations
The first round of COVID-19 vaccination clinics held at Connecticut’s 210 nursing homes was completed on Friday. It marks a milestone that comes as skilled nursing facilities continue to battle a second wave of infections. LiveWell, a long-term care facility in Plantsville, was the last facility to hold its first clinic. The state hopes to have the second round of vaccinations at all nursing homes completed by the end of January. Gov. Ned Lamont said the vaccinations at nursing homes are especially important considering the state's overall infection rate is spiking. Also Friday, the 15th inmate died from COVID-related complications.
