CDC: Most of Conn. drops to medium COVID transmission

Most of Connecticut is considered to have a medium COVID-19 transmission level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New London County, which is home to more than 265,000 residents, is the only area to have a low transmission level. Middlesex County, which has more than 162,000 residents, is the only area considered to have a high transmission level.

The remaining 88 percent of the population is in an area with a medium transmission level, according to the CDC’s calculations on Thursday.

Less than two weeks ago, on May 26, the federal agency deemed most of Connecticut as having a high transmission level, while New London County remained the only county considered at a medium level.

National leaders have asked residents in medium transmission areas to consider wearing masks again and taking other preventative measures. In areas with high transmission, the CDC is urging local leaders to encourage these prevention strategies.

The state Department of Public Health reported Monday there were 293 people hospitalized — 47 fewer than this time last week. Connecticut hospitals haven’t seen this few patients since May 9 when the DPH reported 276 patients.

Still, hospitals were seeing fewer patients at 239 this time last month, and far fewer on April 6 at 117 patients, according to state data.

Of the 293 patients Monday, 92 — or about 31 percent — were not fully vaccinated, the data showed.

The DPH reported 39,121 administered COVID-19 tests. Of these, 3,740 — 9.56 percent — came out positive, a decrease from Friday’s 11.16 percent.

The state’s seven-day positivity rate has also gradually declined in recent weeks. On May 6, the DPH reported an 11.2 percent positivty rate.