As COVID-19 Infection Rate Rises, CT Health Officials Release New Statement

CONNECTICUT — Coronavirus case rates are increasing in Connecticut as the BA.2 subvariant spreads.

“BA.2 has been spreading faster than the original omicron variant and that state’s test positivity has continued to increase over the past seven days,” State Department of Public Health Commissioner Juthani said in a statement.

Connecticut reported more than 3,700 new cases between April 7-13 and a positive test rate of 6.23 percent. The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has increased slightly in recent days, but still remains below 150 patients.

DPH will increase its statewide testing program and is reminding people about second booster doses and antiviral treatments. There are currently 23 state-supported coronavirus testing sites where no appointment is necessary. The state has the ability to ramp-up testing if cases continue to increase.

Connecticut has more than 40 test to treat sites. Residents can go to one of the sites, get a rapid coronavirus test and potentially receive treatment with an antiviral medication if they qualify. Residents can also call their own doctor to potentially receive the treatment.

COVID-19 Self-Test Kits: For those looking for access to more self-test kits, visit the federal website https://www.covid.gov/tests to order free at-home testing kits. As of March 2022, households are eligible to order a total of eight kits. If you already ordered four kits in January and/or February, you are eligible to order four more.

State Supported Testing Sites: There are currently 23 State Supported COVID-19 testing sites located throughout Connecticut. These testing sites are drive-through and/or walk up and no appointment is needed. Additionally, there is no cost for the testing. The locations and hours of each State Supported testing site can be viewed at ct.gov/coronavirus

Additionally, people who are 50 or older and/or are immunocompromised are eligible for a second vaccine booster dose. Individuals who are eligible for this booster are encouraged to visit ct.gov/covidvaccine to locate a site near them. Nearly 800 locations are available to administer boosters.

See also: Hospitalizations Rise As CT COVID 7-Day Positivity Rate Climbs Over 6%

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who test positive for the virus isolate from others for at least five days. People can end isolation after 5 full days, but should wear a well-fitted mask around others through day 10. The CDC provides a calculator to determine isolation periods.