Coronavirus CT: 'Exhaustion & Frustration' As Cases Climb

CONNECTICUT — Since Friday, coronavirus cases in the state climbed by 1,191 and 12 more people died.

"It's a reminder of how fast things can change," Gov. Ned Lamont said during a news conference Monday.

Since the pandemic began, there have now been 64,021 cases in the state and 4,554 deaths.

Although the positive test rate in the state climbed to 1.7 percent, it's 5.3 percent nationwide. Connecticut has the sixth-lowest infection rate in the country.

Coronavirus-related hospitalizations increased by 11 since Friday; a total of 195 people were hospitalized as of Monday, officials said.

Lamont attributed some of the new cases to "exhaustion and frustration" as the pandemic has dragged on and entered a second phase.

"Back in April, when we were so disciplined, the favorite phrase was, 'We are all in this together," Lamont said. Now, the new phrase characterizing COVID-19 conversations, according to the governor, is, "I'm going to sue you if you make me wear a mask."

Employment in the state is down about 6 percent compared to a year ago, Lamont said, contributing to the malaise.

On the brighter side, over 50 percent of Connecticut schools are now open on a full-time basis, Lamont said. He attributed that in part to the curtailing of sporting events at the youth level.

The towns with the most new coronavirus cases reported over the weekend are:

1. Norwalk: 71

2. Hartford: 69

3. Stamford: 58

4. Waterbury: 57

5. New Britain: 42

6. Norwich: 41

7. New London: 40

8. New Haven: 39

9. Bridgeport: 37

10. Danbury: 34

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The towns with the most new cases reported over the past week are:

1. Hartford: 154

2. Norwalk: 133

3. Waterbury: 110

4. Stamford: 105

5. Norwich: 90

6. New Haven: 76

7. Bridgeport: 76

8. New London: 72

9. Danbury: 69

10. New Britain: 68