Connecticut reporting 194 COVID-19 cases
East Lyme woman, 44, is first resident of region confirmed to have virus
Thirty-five additional COVID-19 cases since the previous day brought the state’s total to 194 on Friday, including the first case involving a southeastern Connecticut resident, a 44-year-old East Lyme woman.
A fourth fatality also was reported Friday, a Fairfield County resident.
In addition, Westerly Hospital announced a physician associated with the hospital had tested positive and was being monitored at home.
Gov. Ned Lamont delivered the Connecticut update during a news conference in Hartford, adding that 40 of the state’s infected patients were currently hospitalized, and the state was conducting close to 1,000 tests a day, far more than the 20 a day it had been weeks ago.
“The number of infections reported is a reflection of the fact that more people are infected, and also a big reflection of the fact that we’re testing so many more people,” he said.
The governor called for all nonessential businesses to close, announcing a “Stay Safe, Stay Home” policy aimed at ensuring social distancing. The policy, similar to those being put in place in New York and other states, calls for residents, particularly those over the age of 70, to remain at home and for retail businesses to close. Lamont said grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations can stay open. Major construction projects, such as school projects, can continue, he said, and major manufacturing facilities, including defense contractors, can continue to operate.
He said he had discussed the situation with the likes of Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky and Electric Boat and had urged them to send home all nonessential workers and enforce social distancing among those who keep working.
“It’s tough medicine, the right medicine,” Lamont said.
The governor said his office has been working closely with hospitals as they prepare for an expected onslaught of COVID-19 patients. He acknowledged that they will have to cope with a nationwide shortage of