HARTFORD, Conn. — The Governor is expected to provide a press conference at 4 PM providing an update on Connecticut's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From December 24 to December 28, Connecticut administered 139,889 tests and 8,457 came back positive. The positivity rate was about 6.05 percent.
There were 19 new hospitalizations reported bringing the state total to 1,219 patients. There were 113 reported COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the death toll to 5,904 people.
Lamont also showed the allocation of funds will be distributed throughout the state from the recently signed Federal COVID-19 relief bill. there will be $695.1 million directed towards unemployment assistance and $237 million directed toward rental assistance.
Additional relief will also be available regarding programs like PPP, substance abuse & Mental Health Services, and SNAP benefit level by 15%.
Connecticut has vaccinated 36,276 people as of Monday. Lamont added it is expected that a formal guide will be issued on Phase 1B in early January for vaccines.
Governor Lamont's Chief of Staff Paul Mounds said on Monday a member of the Governor's staff tested positive for COVID-19.
The staff member was in the office as recently as Wednesday, December 23. Mounds added though the individual only had a brief interaction with Lamont while wearing a mask and from a safe distance. As a result, Governor Lamont will not be self-quarantining.
“This is another sign that the virus continues to spread across our state, and we all must keep our guard up,” Mounds said. “We all must limit gatherings, wash our hands, keep a distance, and most importantly, keep wearing our face coverings. We have limited the number of staff working in the office, encouraging telework across our departments with the goal of minimizing contact among individuals, and that will continue to be how our office operates moving forward.”
The Governor and his staff get tested twice a week and there have been no additional positive tests within the administration.