Positivity rate increases to 1.68 percent

Here are the most important things to know about COVID-19 in Connecticut.

Oct. 9 Connecticut’s positivity rate increases to 1.68 percent

On Friday, the state of Connecticut announced 290 new cases, three more deaths and six new hospitalizations. The positivity rate (the percentage of total tests that are positive) increased to 1.68 percent.

States without mask mandates have 10 times the COVID-19 cases

A study of states’ policies as they reopened showed that those without mask mandates saw 10 times the number of coronavirus cases as those states with mask mandates. “This study contributes to the growing evidence that mask usage is essential for mitigating community transmission of COVID-19,” the study concludes. “States should delay further reopening until mask mandates are fully implemented, and enforcement by local businesses will be critical for preventing potential future closures.”

A serious COVID-19 infection can provide long-lasting immunity

A Harvard study suggests that a serious COVID-19 infection does provide long-lasting immunity. It’s been assumed that catching the virus does grant some measure of immunity, but Harvard researchers may be the first to confirm that severe infections do result in some measure of immunity on a longterm basis. “We showed that key antibody responses to COVID-19 do persist.” the lead researcher said.

Coronavirus can live on human skin for nine hours

Coronavirus can live on human skin for nine hours, according to a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. The study shows this nine-hour window during which the virus lingers creates a higher risk of transmission and underlines the importance of washing your hands or sanitizing.

Trump plans to hold a rally in Florida on Saturday, infectious or not

President Donald Trump plans to hold a Saturday rally in Florida, an event which his doctors have cleared him for after a COVID-19 diagnosis last week. Depending on the severity of his COVID-19 infection, he may or may not be infectious at that point. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 “remain infectious no longer than 10 days after symptom onset.” Patients with more severe infections can be contagious for up to 20 days. The New York Times reported that Trump said he began experiencing symptoms on Sept. 30, exactly 10 days before his planned Saturday rally.