CT Coronavirus Hospitalizations Drop Below 400 Again

CONNECTICUT — The number of state residents hospitalized with the coronavirus has once again dropped below 400, even as concerns arise over a new variant that has made its way into Connecticut.

COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped by 18 beds. There are now 384 residents hospitalized with the virus.

The highly contagious Brazil variant has joined new strains from South Africa and the U.K. in Connecticut, the state Department of Public Health reported Thursday. A Guilford resident has tested positive.

With the advent of the more contagious variants, Dr. Albert Ko, of the Yale School of Public Health, has described the coronavirus vaccine rollout as a "race against time."

So far, 62 percent of Connecticut's population over the age of 55 has received at least one dose, including 78 percent of those over the age of 75; 74 percent of those between 65 and 74; and 46 percent of those between 55 to 64. In total, 33 percent of all adults in Connecticut over the age of 16 have received at least one dose.

Those who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine under Connecticut's COVID-19 vaccination program include everyone over the age of 45, as well as all healthcare personnel, medical first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, residents and staff of select congregate settings, and preK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers. Tentatively, beginning April 5, residents 16 and over will become eligible for the vaccine.

The data compiled Wednesday and released Thursday by DPH shows a slight increase in the daily coronavirus positivity rate, from 2.43 to 2.76 percent.

An additional 1,156 COVID-19 cases were logged by the state Wednesday, bringing the total number to 295,484.

The coronavirus death toll in the state is now 7,822, following the 15 new deaths recorded on Wednesday.

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