HARTFORD, Conn. — Gov. Ned Lamont said Monday that the positivity rate was at 1.6%, up from .8% a month ago.
He also said his office would start testing for COVID 19 twice a week. Previously Lamont was tested every couple of weeks.
On the subject of President Donald Trump's hospitalization and a tweet saying, "Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of COVID. Don’t let it dominate your life," Lamont said while he was pleased the president was making a recovery, the governor felt it was totally inappropriate, and this was no time to relax. On the president's short drive outside the hospital Sunday, Lamont said Trump should put politics aside for now.
The update comes as phase 3 of reopening is set to begin on Thursday. The next stage or reopening comes as the state has seen a small uptick in cases over the last couple of weeks.
In numbers out Monday, Connecticut saw hospitalizations rose to by 19 patients. There were 4 reported COVID-19 related deaths.
Lamont said they were watching the numbers closely and he was pleased with how rapid response in Norwich was able to bring the infection rate from 7% to 2%. He compared it to an earlier intervention in Danbury.
Connecticut isn't the only state facing an increase in cases. New York City’s mayor says he has asked the state for permission to close schools and reinstate restrictions on nonessential businesses in several neighborhoods because of a resurgence of the coronavirus.
Shutdowns would happen starting Wednesday in nine zip codes in the city. Mayor Bill de Blasio says about 300 public and private schools would have to close. Indoor dining, which just resumed a few days ago, would be suspended. Gyms would also close. De Blasio said the city needed the state to sign off on the restrictions. Over the past two weeks, though, the number of new cases of the virus has been rising in pockets of the city.
COVID-19 cases continue to impact schools in Connecticut, as well. Southington High School moved to online classes for at least a week due to a substitute shortage. The need for a substitute teacher comes as another positive case is reported in the high school community.