HARTFORD, Conn — Three more people have died in Connecticut since Wednesday, according to numbers released by the State of Connecticut. More than 15,000 tests were performed, with 130 of those tests coming back positive. Governor Ned Lamont said Connecticut stands at a .8% positivity rate.
Governor Lamont said Connecticut remains committed to testing.
“We are maintaining our commitment to testing. We announced this with New Jersey and New York. We’re going to test symptomatic and asymptomatic people, and it’s really important,” said Governor Lamont.
Residents can call 211 to see a close testing location for a free test.
Governor Lamont also said the State is hoping to make it easier to see loved ones in nursing homes. He said facilities will create their own visitation plans to allow nursing home residents to spend more time with loved ones as they need to.
A big part of the Governor’s daily briefing was devoted to mental health. Connecticut has a number of resources available to residents, which can be accessed by calling 211.
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon told residents the pandemic has caused considerable stress among everyone. She said it’s important to stay connected to others during this time by calling family and seeing each other in a socially-distanced way.
Thursday's update came after a cluster of cases was reported this week out of East Windsor.
First Selectman Jason Bowsza confirmed with FOX61 Wednesday night that the outbreak linked to Mulnite Farms has caused 31 workers to test positive for the virus.
It is unclear the origin of the outbreak or the status of the workers.
Some schools and colleges have also started classes for the fall 2020 semester. On Wednesday, Gov. Lamont urged students and staff to work together and commit to making the semester a safe one.
A couple of days after students returned to campus at UConn, several students were removed following an unapproved party inside a dorm room.
Access to boat launches in Danbury/on Candlewood Lake has been restricted after there was an uptick of cases in the city.
City officials said boats were "rafting" or, tying together boats in the water. Young people were also spotted on the island in Candlewood Lake.
Officials also attributed the small spike to communities being without power for over a week following Isaias, church gatherings, and other family gatherings that did not prioritize social distancing. There was also the concern over international travel and residents not filling out the contact form as required by the state.
Officials ask people to get tested and help the contact tracers in order to get their arms around the outbreak. In-person classes have been delayed due to the uptick.
For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”