Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday ordered all non-essential businesses to close for the foreseeable future as the latest step to try and slow the spread of coronavirus in Connecticut.
Multiple new cases of coronavirus were confirmed within the last few days.
Woodstock
The Town of Woodstock has its first positive case of coronavirus, according to the Northeast District Department of Public Health.
Authorities did not release details about the person who tested positive.
Town of Manchester
Officials in Manchester announce 4 positive cases of coronavirus in their town Sunday night.
“Given the trajectory of the spread of the coronavirus in Connecticut, the confirmation of positive tests here in Manchester comes as no surprise", said General Manager Scott Shanley. "For the past several weeks, the Town has been preparing for the inevitable rise in confirmed cases and continues to coordinate a response with our state and regional health partners to limit the spread of the virus".
Local
The town officials are urging residents and businesses not deemed essential to adhere to this order.
Day Kimball Hospital
Day Kimball Hospital (DKH) confirmed that one of its obstetrics and gynecology physicians has tested positive for COVID-19 on March 19.
The hospital said they were prepared for this and there was a limited the number of patients and staff who interacted with this physician. Those people have been identified and notified.
Day Kimball Hospital also mentioned that they are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that this case is contained and to safeguard the well-being of their patients, visitors, volunteers and staff.
Trinity College
A Trinity College student has tested positive for coronavirus, marking the first case at the school.
School officials said on Sunday that a member of their community, who is not currently on campus, has tested positive for COVID-19. He or she has been home for a week and became symptomatic after returning home.
The student was on campus through Saturday, March 14, and received a diagnosis on Saturday afternoon, the school said.
The school said it has been in touch with a small number of people who were in contact with the student who tested positive before he or she left campus. None of those people are currently on campus and all report being asymptomatic.
New Britain
On Sunday, Mayor Erin Stewart said the city has confirmed the first case of coronavirus in a New Britain resident.
According to Stewart, the person who tested positive for COVID-19 was treated at UConn Medical Center and was released to quarantine in his or her home for 14 days with family.
She added that the person is on the mend and doing well.
Sacred Heart University
In a statement late Saturday night, Sacred Heart University confirmed they have their first confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus in the SHU community. This positive case is a student at the university. The student lived off campus and visited the school's campus only twice since spring break.
According to a university spokesperson, the student has already been in touch with everyone this person had contact with in the past two weeks. The symptoms in this case are very mild.
Uncas Health District
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 within the jurisdiction of the Uncas Health District. A 43-year Norwich man is the first patient to test positive for the virus.
Middletown
Middletown confirmed their first case of COVID 19 Saturday afternoon. In a tweet, Mayor Florsheim said he is saddened but not surprised to share that the Middletown Health Department has received its first confirmed report of a positive COVID-19 case in the city. The 50-year-old man who has it is self-quarantining at home.
Fairfield County
The town of Fairfield now has five confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the First Selectmen. All public recreational spaces will remain closed until further notice. The first selectmen urges residents to continue to practice safe social distancing.
Coronavirus Symptoms
The key symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the CDC are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms can appear in infected persons two to 14 days after exposure.
Coronavirus Prevention Steps
Steps for prevention from the CDC include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, such as to the grocery store
- Coverings should not be placed on children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a health care worker
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Steps to Self-Monitor for Coronavirus
Steps to self-monitor from the CDC include:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
If you do get sick with a fever, cough or have trouble breathing, call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and communicate with your doctor about your recent travel.
- If you develop symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
The CDC has a special website set up with details about the coronavirus, including how it spreads and treatment.
Anyone with questions relating to coronavirus can call 2-1-1 or text "CTCOVID" to 898211. The 2-1-1 hotline is available 24 hours a day.
You can also visit the state's coronavirus information website here. Residents are encouraged to check the website for answers to questions before calling the hotline.
