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CT COVID-19 live updates: More than 11,500 total positive COVID-19 cases in Connecticut

Find developments on the coronavirus outbreak in Connecticut as we work together to separate facts from fear.
Credit: FOX61

Key Facts: 

  • Governor Lamont on Saturday: Nearly 1,000 new positive COVID-19 cases, just under 500 deaths in CT
  • Gov. Lamont said Friday in an update that there will be executive orders issued for renter's insurance and to extend the closing of non-essential businesses to May 20th
  • As of Thursday, there are now 9,784 cases in the state
  • Enfield cancels its 4th of July celebration
  • Electric Boat has 17 confirmed cases, including Senior Vice President
  • Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford one of four facilities in US approved by FDA to test promising blood plasma treatment for COVID-19 patients
  • Data shows black patients disproportionately affected by the virus
  • Hartford HealthCare: “Critical weeks” ahead in the fight against COVID-19
  • Map released by the state to track numbers town by town.

April 11

Nearly 1,000 new positive COVID-19 cases, just under 500 deaths in CT

Governor Lamont took to Twitter Saturday afternoon to announce Connecticut's update on coronavirus. According to Lamont, there are 972 new positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the state's total to 11,510 with 1,593 patients have been hospitalized to date and 494 fatalities have been reported. More than 39,831 patients have been tested, Lamont said.


April 10

CT Convention Center transformed into COVID-19 field hospital

The National Guard began setting up a field hospital at the Connecticut Convention Center on Saturday morning.

The annex hospital will he run by Hartford Healthcare.

When complete, it will have 646 beds but the goal is to never have to use them.

It won’t be used to treat any critical patients who will need things like ventilators, but rather be used as a recovery center.

Fourth mobile hospital set up in Sharon 

The Connecticut National Guard set up a fourth mobile hospital near Sharon Hosptial. 

Government Lamont tweeted thanking the National Guard. The other three hospitals are located at Saint Francis, Danbury Hospital, Middlesex Hospital. 

Connecticut reaches over 10, 000 people with COVID-19 

The Governor's office released the latest numbers of people impacted by COVID-19, revealing that the state has now passed over 10,000 people confirmed to have the virus. The exact number of people confirmed to have the virus is 10,538. The total number of people who have been hospitalized due to COVID-19 is 1,562 and 448 people have died. 

Mayor Bronin Friday briefing at 3:15 p.m.

Mayor Luke Bronin provided an update during his Friday briefing about two tax relief programs the City of Hartford expects to offer to residents. Watch the part of the briefing below: 


Gov. Lamont to sign to more executive orders

The Governor’s Office also announced two executive orders that will likely be signed Friday. The first is set to help renters.

“Landlords will not be able to issue a notice to quit or serve summary notice, basically eviction proceedings, before July 1st,” said Paul Mounds, the governor’s Chief of Staff. “Except for serious issues of nuisance or harming that incurs between the tenant and the landlord.”

According to Mounds, there will also be an automatic 60-day grace period for renters in the month of April.

Malaria drug maker donating 100 million doses

Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi says it is donating 100 million doses of a malaria drug being tested for use as a treatment against the new coronavirus.

In a statement Friday, the company said the hydroxychloroquine doses will be given to 50 countries. The company said it also is ramping up production, aiming to quadruple is capacity to manufacture the drug.

Sanofi said it “will continue to donate the medicine to governments and hospital institutions if ongoing clinical studies demonstrate its efficacy and safety in COVID-19 patients.”

But the company also cautioned that hydroxychloroquine has “several serious known side effects” and tests are so far inconclusive over its safety and efficacy in treating COVID-19.

President Donald Trump has been among the drug’s proponents, tweeting that hydroxychloroquine plus an antibiotic could be “one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine” and should “be put in use immediately.” 

April 9

1,003 new Connecticut residents confirmed to have COVID-19

More people have tested positive for COVID-19, increasing the total number of people to 9,784. State officials said that over 33,502 people have been tested. Out of that number 1,4646 people have been hospitalized and 380 people have died. 

Fairfield has the most people confirmed with COVID-19 with 4,882, most hospitalizations with 664 and 178 people have died who are from that county. New Haven and Hartford County are second and third respectively in number of positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. 

For more information on the people impacted by COVID and the new executive orders signed by the Governor today, click here

Day Kimball Healthcare furloughs employees temporarily

 The Healthcare organization said they are temporarily furloughing employees across their organization due to the money and fewer patients. 

“This is consistent with other healthcare systems and businesses throughout the state and country,” said Joseph Adiletta, interim president, Day Kimball Healthcare. “During this time, patient care will not be affected. Our plan provides for adequate staffing levels across all patient-care departments.” 

The furlough will result in reduced staff hours and will not impact their benefits. The company plans to do so as soon as possible. 

Waterbury Hospital Update 

The hospital posted this update on their Facebook page Thursday evening: 27 COVID-19 positive patients discharged home, five patients off ventilators and getting better.

The CIAC to meet on April 23 to discuss 'safe and realistic spring sport experiences' 

The CAS-CIAC said Thursday that they will be meeting on April 23 to discuss spring High School sports. The decision comes on the heels of the Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona and Governor Lamont announcing that schools will be closed through May 20. 

In the meantime, the CIAC administration will meet with school officials, athletic directors, and coaches. They will review the feedback on April 23 and "discuss safe and realistic spring sport experiences." 

Mayor Luke Bronin and Trinity Health officials hold press conference

Hartford's Mayor, along with Dr. Reginald Eadie, President and CEO of Trinity Health of New England, discussed Wednesday's announcement that the health system is one of four around the country approved by the FDA to begin testing blood plasma therapy for coronavirus patients. 

According to officials, only recovered individuals who are two weeks post-negative are able to be screened as a possible plasma donor.

The plasma will benefit critically-ill COVID-19 positive patients within the Trinity Health system.

Gov. Lamont: Connecticut schools will remain closed until May 20

Early Thursday afternoon, the governor announced schools in the state would remain closed until at least May 20. 

The governor said the decision was made “in the best interests of public health.”

Lamont will provide an update at 4 p.m. on the state’s response to COVID-19. Education Commissioner Dr. Miguel Cardona will join the governor to provide more information to parents, teachers and staff.

RELATED: Gov. Lamont: CT schools to remain closed until at least May 20

Record 16.6. million have sought US jobless aid since virus outbreak 

A new round of weekly jobless claims is out Thursday morning, revealing 6.6 million more Americans have filed for unemployment last week. The new numbers mean roughly one in 10 workers have lost their jobs in just the past three weeks. 

RELATED: Record 16.6 million have sought US jobless aid since virus

Electric Boat officials confirm 17 cases of COVID-19

Electric Boat President Kevin Graney alerted employees on the 'EB Landing Podcast' Wednesday that four more cases have been confirmed from staff.

The new cases bring the total number of positive cases at EB to 17.

According to Graney, the employees were:

  • Senior Vice President Kurt Hesch
  • An individual at Eagle Park who was last at work on March 30.
  • A New London-based employee who was last at work on March 20.
  • A Groton-based employee who works in building 70 who was last at work on March 25.

All immediate coworkers of the employees were contacted and appropriate cleaning efforts have been performed, Graney said.

SVP Hesch will work from home as a precautionary measure.

Graney also reported that four of 17 employees who tested positive will return to EB next week.

Enfield cancels 4th of July celebrations

The Town of Enfield says they are canceling the 4th of July celebration, citing complications of COVID-19 including social distancing and booking vendors. You can read more here. 

Model: U.S. projected peak to come Sunday

There are 432,132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States as of midnight ET Thursday morning, according to Johns Hopkins University. There have been 14,817 deaths and 23,906 recoveries.

A forecast model by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, which has been cited by the White House, now predicts the U.S. peak will come sooner and with fewer deaths.

IHME now predicts the highest number of deaths in one day in the U.S. will happen Sunday with a projected 2,212. But there are factors of uncertainty that could put that number as high as 5,000, and the model assumes social distancing measures continue to be practiced.

As recently as Monday, IHME predicted the peak day would come on April 16 with a number of deaths above 3,000.

The model still projects that the peak need for beds, ICU beds and ventilators will extend into next early next week, but the numbers are lower than previously forecast.

Worldwide, there are nearly 1.5 million confirmed cases with 88,538 deaths and 329,876 recoveries.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and can lead to death.

April 8

Protest for protection of inmates during COVID-19 pandemic

Another busy day out in front of the governor's mansion in Hartford, as protesters made their voices heard.

Demonstrators honked their horns, staying inside their cars during another protest over protection for Connecticut inmates against COVID-19.

Today, the department of correction announced all prisoners who test positive for coronavirus will be moved to the northern correctional institution in Somers.

The DOC reports 46 inmates have tested positive for the virus.

 52 staff members have also tested positive.

Connecticut releases new stats on COVID-19

The state released updated numbers on the residents impacted by COVID-19. A total of 8,781 people have been confirmed to have the virus. That is a 1,000 person increase from Tuesday. 

There have been 335 confirmed COVID-19 associated-deaths. 

Fairfield County remains to have the most confirmed cases and deaths with 4,417 and 155 respectively. New Haven County has 1,945 positive cases and 70 deaths. Hartford County jas 1290 confirmed people with COVID-19 and 68 people have died. 

For more information on the state's statistics, click here

Flags ordered to half staff in Connecticut for COVID-19 victims

Governor Lamont said Wednesday that he is directing flags in Connecticut lowered to half staff. This is recognition and mourning for everyone who has lost their lives or impacted by COVID-19 

The Governor made the announcement through his Twitter. 

Middletown announces fist death due to COVID-19 

Mayor Ben Florsheim said Wednesday that a 56-year-old died due to complications from COVID-19. Out of 291 Middletown residents who have been tested, 235 tests have been negative. 

Mayor Luke Bronin discusses Hartford's COVID-19 response efforts

Mayor Luke Bronin reported Wednesday afternoon that there are 192 positive coronavirus cases in the capital city. 12 deaths linked to coronavirus were also confirmed.

"We expect this to escalate," Bronin said while explaining the city is preparing for a COVID-19 peak in Hartford just weeks away

At the press conference, an agreement with the University of Hartford was also announced.

According to Mayor Bronin, 200 rooms will be free to be used by Hartford's first responders.

Those rooms on campus will be for essential workers looking to protect their families, Bronin said.

Additionally, nearly 200 of Hartford's homeless have been moved into local hotels, according to the mayor.

Seniors at CCSU send a message

CDC considers loosening self-isolation guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering changing its guidelines for self-isolation to make it easier for those who have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus to return to work if they are asymptomatic, according to the Associated Press.

The public health agency and the White House are considering an announcement as soon as Wednesday.

Under the proposed guidance, people who are exposed to someone infected would be allowed back on the job if they are asymptomatic, test their temperature twice a day and wear a face mask. That's according to a person familiar with the proposal who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the draft had not been finalized. 

Mystic Seaport to delay hotel project

Mystic Seaport Museum announced Wednesday the Greenwich Hospitality Group will delay for one year construction of the new Delamar Mystic Hotel.

Citing the economic and market uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GHG decided to push out the project 12 months. The 26-room boutique hotel and restaurant is to be built on Museum property that is the present site of Latitude 41 Restaurant & Tavern. The project received approval from the Town of Stonington on March 6. Construction was scheduled to begin in early 2021.

April 7

Governor Lamont signs executive order to allow recent medical graduates to begin practicing 

The Governor announced Tuesday that he signed an executive order allowing recent medical school and other medical school graduates who do not have a license, to start practicing in Connecticut's response to COVID-19 for the duration of the " public health and civil preparedness emergency. " 

"This is necessary during the emergency period because the ability to take the required exams or other steps to receive a license have been suspended," said Lamont in a press release. 

To read the full order issued, click here.  

875 new people test positive for COVID-19 Tuesday

Governor Ned Lamont announced Tuesday that an additional 875 positive cases of COVID-19 were reported, bringing the state total to 7,781.

So far, there have been 277 fatalities.  According to Josh Geballe, the state’s chief operating officer, 71 of those fatalities were reported in the last 24 hours.

In addition, 1,308 patients have been hospitalized.

For more information click here

Big Y Supermarkets to close for Easter and the following day

Due to holidays, weather and other conditions, Big Y location hours may be temporarily adjusted in consideration of our employees and the needs of our customers.

Easter Holiday Hours

Easter Sunday, April 12 & Monday April 13, 2020, All stores will be CLOSED.

Pharmacy will be CLOSED Easter Sunday, April 12 & Monday April 13, 2020.

Table & Vine Flagship Location will be CLOSED Easter Sunday, April 12 & Monday April 13, 2020.

Fresh Acres Market will be CLOSED Easter Sunday, April 12 & Monday April 13, 2020.

Big Y Express Gas Stations will be CLOSED Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020.

Powerball and Mega Millions to reduce starting jackpot after current jackpots are won

The Connecticut Lottery announced Tuesday the starting jackpots for Powerball and Mega Millions will be reduced as will the amount it will be raised when it rolls over.

The changes will take place after the current jackpots are won. The current jackpots sit at $190 million for Powerball, and $127 million for Mega Millions.

“Both Powerball and Mega Millions previously had minimum starting jackpots of $40 Million. Following a jackpot win, both games will now have a $20 Million reset minimum once a jackpot is won. Both games will also change the minimum increment amount after each jackpot roll; subsequent jackpot increases will be based on sales,” said officials.

Both changes will go into effect no later than April 11.

In an effort to address fairness to players, “advance action” tickets that were purchased under the previously advertised minimum jackpots, the CT Lottery will offer refunds to players who purchased advanced action Powerball and/or Mega Millions tickets before the jackpots were hit.

Bristol Health modifying hours of testing station

Due to the decreasing supply and limited availability of testing kits, Bristol Health will be modifying the hours of operation for its COVID-19 Specimen Collection Station for the foreseeable future.

Starting on Wednesday, April 8, once 40 specimens are collected from drive-up patients, the station will close for the day. The station will continue to open at 8 am, Monday – Saturday. The community can visit www.bristolhealth.org for regular updates on the number of specimens that have been collected so far on that particular day.

The Bristol Health Specimen Collection Station will be closed on Sundays starting on April 12.

Bristol Health was one of the first health systems in Connecticut to launch drive-up specimen collection on March 13. And since then, more than 1,100 collections have taken place and sent out for testing.

Jewish groups team up to deliver kosher meals for Passover

While many are stuck inside of their homes during Passover, Two local organizations are making sure they still receive a meal.

The Jewish Community Foundation and the Jewish Federation came together to deliver 1500 kosher meals.

Those meals went to the elderly, Holocaust survivors, people who are homebound and also those who are financially struggling.

They spent the day delivering to families in the Greater Hartford region.

The two organizations have created the “Jewish Hartford Rapid Relief and Recovery Fund” to help those in need during this pandemic.

If you would like to donate to the fund, or are in need your self, click here.

Two state parks closed

Seaside State Park in Waterford and Kent Falls State Park are closed to ensure social distancing. The DEEP said visitors cannot park outside and walk in. Please visit DEEP's website for 100+ alternatives

UPDATE: Report of newborn in Windsor Locks testing positive for COVID-19 was an error.  

The Town of Windsor Locks now says the report of a newborn testing positive for COVID-19 was an error made by the Connecticut Department of Public Health database. The person was between the ages 70 and 79 and not a newborn was first reported.

South Windsor police close park 

From the South Windsor police: The Rye Street Park will be closed to the public until further notice. There have been issues there with people not using the park appropriately in accordance with the current guidelines that are in place. Once the park is re-opened we will let the public know ASAP.

Waterbury updated numbers on positive cases

At this time, 343 people in Waterbury have tested positive with COVID-19 and the death toll has risen to 13.

MLB season may open in Arizona

People familiar with the discussion tell The Associated Press that putting all 30 teams in the Phoenix area this season and playing in empty ballparks was among the ideas discussed by Major League Baseball and the players’ association.

The sides held a telephone call to talk about paths forward for a season delayed by the new coronavirus pandemic. Ideas are still in the early stage. Arizona’s advantage is 10 spring training ballparks plus the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chase Field all within about 50 miles.

Scott Boras, baseball’s most prominent agent, said it might be the quickest method to start play.

April 6

1,231 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Connecticut

Governor Ned Lamont announced Monday that 1,231 have tested positive for the virus, bring the state total to 6,906. Out of that number, 206 people have died. 

Fairfield County has the most cases and death with 3,719 and 101 respectively, followed by New Haven with 1,468 cases and 41 deaths, and then Hartford County with 882 positive cases and 31 deaths. 

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality and data broken down by age, gender, race, and other factors, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

UPDATE: Report of newborn in Windsor Locks testing positive for COVID-19 was an error.  

The Town of Windsor Locks now says the report of a newborn testing positive for COVID-19 was an error made by the Connecticut Department of Public Health database. The person was between the ages 70 and 79 and not a newborn was first reported.

Electric Boat has 10 confirmed cases, institutes further measures for workers

Electric Boat President Kevin Graney, who himself has tested positive for COVID-19, told employees on Monday that there are now a total of 10 confirmed cases among the workforce. 

Graney said of the latest cases, one worker was last on company property on March 13. The other had been out since April 2, but has had minimal contact with others. 

He also said the company enabled over 2,000 employees to work from home and adjusted work schedules to spread out employees on site.

Graney said the PCU Vermont (Pre commissioned unit) will undergo an INSURV trial and the rollout of the PCU Oregon this week. 

Hartford HealthCare: “Critical weeks” ahead in fight against COVID-19

Dr. Ajay Kumar, the Chief Clinical Officer for Hartford Healthcare said in a Monday briefing that officials are seeing about a 10-15% increase everyday in the number of patients who are COVID-19 positive or persons under investigation, or PUI.

Dr. Kumar also explained when a “peak” can be expected in Connecticut, and said currently their predictions are slightly different than what has been presented at the national level.

“We think we are going to hit the peak in Connecticut sometime at the end of April and first week of May… sometime around the 5th or 6th of May,” said Dr. Kumar.

Washington State to return 400 ventilators

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said the state will return more than 400 ventilators of the 500 it has received from the federal government so they can go to New York and other states hit harder by the coronavirus.

The Democratic governor said Sunday that his statewide stay-at-home order and weeks of social distancing have led to slower rates of infections and deaths in Washington.

Washington state has 7,666 confirmed cases of the virus and 322 deaths, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally on Sunday afternoon. New York has more than 122,000 confirmed cases and more than 4,000 deaths.

April 5

State releases new numbers on COVID-19 cases, deaths

Governor Ned Lamont's office announced that an additional 399 Connecticut residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 5,675. To date, more than 23,270 tests have been conducted in Connecticut among both state and private laboratories. Approximately 1,142 patients have been hospitalized. The total statewide total number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is 189.

The governor also signed an executive order that enacts the following: 

  • Protection from civil liability for actions or omissions in support of the state’s COVID-19 response: Protects health care professionals and health care facilities, including nursing homes and field hospitals, from lawsuits for acts or omissions undertaken in good faith in support of the state’s COVID-19 response. State statutes already provide similar protections for other first responders, including police, firefighters, and EMS.
  • Financial protections for the uninsured and people covered by insurance who receive out-of-network health care services during the public health emergency: Protects those who are uninsured and those who are insured and are treated by an out-of-network emergency services health care provider from surprise bills and other significant costs. This will ensure that individuals receiving care are not being financially burdened.

Ethan Allen lays off 70% of workforce

Furniture retailer Ethan Allen said it will furlough of approximately 70% of its global workforce. 

Officials said Farooq Kathwari, Ethan Allen’s Chairman, President and CEO will forego his salary through June 30 and has instituted a salary reduction of up to 40% for all senior management and up to 20% for other salaried employees through June 30, 2020. The Company’s Board of Directors will reduce their cash compensation by 50% through June 30, 2020.

As noted earlier, the Company will pay its affected associates through April 2, 2020. In addition, impacted

Employees will continue to receive enrolled benefits for up to 2 months.

New Haven to inspect grocery stores for compliance on social distancing

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Sunday that the city will send out health inspectors to grocery stores to insure they are complying with the Governor's orders on capacity and social distancing. 

Elicker said the inspectors would shut stores down if they were not following the guidelines. 

The Mayor said as of Sunday, there were 241 cases of COVID-19 and nine fatalities. The cases ranges in age from one-year-old to 93-years-old. The latest fatalities ranged in age from 43 to 93. All the cases had either underlying conditions or were elderly, according to officials. 

April 4

Governor Lamont has provided updates Saturday as Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus.

Since Friday, there have been an additional 362 positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the state's total to 5,276, according to Lamont.

165 fatalities have resulted from the disease in Connecticut.

As of 4 p.m. Saturday, 22,029 patients have been tested in Connecticut and 1,033 patients have been hospitalized.

Gov. Lamont also announced FEMA has approved the state's request to include domestic violence survivors in non-congregate housing guidelines.  

“Ensuring safe housing for survivors of domestic violence in locations that are less congested than what many of the locations that typically offer these services usually provide is critical at this time, and I thank FEMA for approving our request to cover these services,” Governor Lamont said.

Additionally, Connecticut’s schools have served more than one million meals under emergency programs, according to Lamont. 

A total of 128 school districts are serving meals at 407 locations.

Click here for the most up-to-date information from state officials on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit.

 Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access. It intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.

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