Coronavirus hospitalizations fall below 1,000 in CT
Connecticut continues to see declines in the amount of people hospitalized with COVID-19 as the initial reopening date for the state quickly approaches.
Thirty-nine more state residents have been discharged from hospitals, leaving less than 1,000 — 994 — people currently hospitalized, according to data released by Gov. Ned Lamont on Saturday.
Although the hospitalizations have been mostly on the decline for weeks, another 54 state residents have died from the virus, putting the total of deaths for the state at 3,339.
Testing continues to ramp up across the state, with another 8,847 tests performed — of which 618 tested positive for the virus — since Friday, with a total of 36,703 total confirmed positive cases and 164,755 tests statewide since the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Fairfield Conty has recorded the most coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and virus-associated deaths, according to a county-by-county breakdown provided by Lamont. The data shows 14,140 cases, 330 hospitalizations and 1,125 deaths in Fairfield County.
Lamont also announced that the state is partnering with UnitedHealth Ground, United Way 211 and DoorDash to pilot a free meal delivery service for higher risk populations that is set to run through June 5.
The meal delivery program will focus on individuals identified by the state Department of Social Services, the Connecticut Association of Resident Service Coordinators and municipal social services. Many of those individuals are homebound seniors in Hartford, Bloomfield, Wethersfield and surrounding areas, Lamont said.
The state plans to start reopening in just a few days on May 20 with some restrictions, including outdoor-only dining at restaurants.
Retail establishments and office buildings previously deemed nonessential will be allowed to reopen. Zoos and museums have also been given the green light to reopen, other than indoor exhibits. The state’s only zoo however, the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, tentatively plans to reopen June 1.
The Westfield malls in Trumbull and Meriden announced an intended May 20 reopening, but clarified that there will be rules in place to keep shoppers socially distant.
But as the state moves toward reopening, officials urged residents to stay informed by keeping an eye on ct.gov/coronavirus, where the state posts up-to-date information.
Those with general questions about the virus can also reach out to the 24/7 211 hotline, which offers multilingual assistance. Relay services for the hotline can be reached at 711. Any out-of-state caller can connect to the 211 hotline toll-free by calling 1-800-203-1234.