Conn. projected to average over 16 deaths a day by 2021

Here are the most important things to know about the coronavirus in Connecticut:

Oct. 12 Coronavirus can linger on touchscreens for at least 28 days

Coronavirus can live and remain viable for at least 28 days on touchscreens and banknotes, according to newly released research from Australia. The study, from researchers at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, showed that, at 68 degrees fahrenheit, the coronavirus can survive for a month on “common surfaces such as glass, stainless steel and both paper and polymer banknotes.” At 100 degrees fahrenheit, the virus can live less than 24 hours on those surfaces, the study said.

CDC: Infections in younger people happen before spike in infections in older people

A study of infection data by age group released by the CDC showed that in counties considered “hotspots,” including counties in Connecticut, a spike in the number of infections among younger people preceded a spike in infections among older people by several weeks. The dynamic was less profound in Northeast states, but the CDC notes that “addressing transmission among young adults is an urgent public health priority.”

CT projected to average over 16 deaths a day by 2021

Connecticut is currently seeing an average of 1.68 deaths from the coronavirus every day. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation data shows the state hitting 2.3 average daily deaths by Election Day, and more than 16 deaths per day by Jan. 1.

The IHME’s predictions don’t go any further than February but, by that point, Connecticut could be looking at 30 deaths per day from the coronavirus, with significant increases in infections and hospital resource use as well.

Hartford is averaging 10 new cases per day

Hartford has been experiencing a steady rise in new COVID-19 cases every day. Data shows that Hartford has reported at least 10 new cases every day since Sept. 28. The rolling seven-day average shows an average 11 new cases each day so far in October.

Trinity College and UNH suspend in-person learning over COVID-19 outbreaks

Trinity College in Hartford and the University of New Haven have experienced outbreaks in the last few days. The University of New Haven announced today that it is suspending in-person learning until Oct. 17 because of the outbreak. Trinity has also paused in-person instruction until it can get a handle on the growing cases.