MADISON, Conn. — Governor Ned Lamont and other state officials held a news briefing Thursday to provide updates on the state's coronavirus response efforts.
Lamont spoke from Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.
He reported that after 80,000 tests so far this week, Connecticut's rate of positivity for COVID-19 testing remains below one percent. That rate is 0.6%.
On Wednesday, the governor reported yesterday that Connecticut had seen its lowest rate of positivity -- at 0.5%.
Gov. Lamont also said Thursday that the 4th of July weekend is important for Connecticut in terms of looking ahead to Phase 3 reopening.
He announced that a decision on bars will be made around July 6 or 7, but he is looking to keep them closed for now after reports of surges in other states. He said they will give establishments two weeks notice as to when they can open.
Lamont urged residents to go outdoors, as it's much safe than indoor crowds.
Lt.Gov. Bysiewicz announced that Connecticut is one of four states on track to to containing the virus.
Watch Facebook Live coverage of the entire press conference below:
Hospitalizations also continue to trend downward in the state.
As of July 1, 100 people were in the hospital due to the virus, two more than yesterday. There were also two deaths.
Fairfield County has the most confirmed and probable cases of the virus with 16,078 confirmed and 639 probable. It also has the most COVID-19 related deaths out of any other county with 1,070 deaths.
Officials announced this week that 9 additional states have met the criteria and will be added to the Tri-State area Travel Advisory.
Added states are California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Tennessee, and Utah.
As of Tuesday, June 30, there are currently sixteen states that meet the criteria:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Nevada
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
This list will be updated on a regular basis as the situation develops across the country.
Previously only Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, and Texas were on the list.
Last week, Lamont said, as far as enforcement, for now it will be voluntary, and people are expected to do the right thing.