Health Officials Implore Residents To Get Booster Shots: CT News

Good Wednesday morning Connecticut,

We'll see some snow flurries and rain showers periodically on Wednesday, but it won't amount to much, if anything. Colder weather on Thursday with the wind chill factor making it feel even colder, warmer on Friday but cloudy and 60 degrees on Saturday but rain showers are expected. Sunday is sunny with temperatures into the upper 40s.

Statement From Connecticut Department Of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, On The State’s COVID Positivity Rates

"Today’s news of the increased positivity rate once again shows that the COVID-19 virus is not done with us yet.

Of the 525 patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 76.2 percent are not fully vaccinated. The number of cases in Connecticut is steadily rising and this trajectory is heading in the wrong direction.

There is a perfect storm that has contributed to this latest increase.

During the winter months, we typically see more viral respiratory infections. There also has been a significant increase of cases in our surrounding states—Connecticut is not an island—and unfortunately our town-by-town map is almost completely red because of the community spread of this virus.

See related: CT COVID-19 Positivity Rate Climbs Over 8%, Highest Since January

Additionally, there is waning immunity which reinforces the need for everyone 18 or older to get a booster six months after their primary vaccination series. And of course, on the heels of Thanksgiving and now the holiday season, people are at indoor gatherings with friends and family. If you are indoors in public spaces, please wear a mask. We know that masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We have so many tools in front of us that we did not have a year ago in the form of the vaccine and boosters. But we still need to do a better job in protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. Go to ct.gov/covidvaccine to get information on where to get your vaccine or a booster."

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Live traffic conditions across CT:

THOMPSON - Road Work on I-395 Southbound between Exits 50 and 47 (2.9 miles) in effect today until 4:05 pm. The left lane is closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 9:06 am.

W. HARTFORD - Road Work on I-84 Eastbound between Exits 41 and 43 (0.9 miles) in effect today until 3:00 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 9:09 am.

SOUTHBURY - Road Work on I-84 Westbound between Exits 14 and 11 (3.3 miles) in effect today until 3:00 pm. The left lane is closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 9:44 am.

HARTFORD - Road Work on I-91 Southbound at Exit 30 in effect today until 1:00 pm. The left lane and the exit ramp are closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 9:22 am.

MERIDEN - Road Work on I-91 Southbound between Exits 17 and 15 (3.6 miles) in effect today until 3:30 pm. Expect lane closures. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 9:35 am.

GROTON - Road Work on I-95 Northbound between Exits 88 and 89 in effect today until 3:43 pm. The left lane is closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 8:42 am.

NORWALK - Road Work on RT15 Northbound between Exits 38 and 40B (1.6 miles) in effect today until 4:00 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 9:29 am.

WATERBURY - Road Work on RT8 Southbound between Exits 30 and 29 (2.3 miles) in effect today until 4:58 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 9:01 am.

SEYMOUR - Road Work on RT8 Southbound between Exits 22 and 20 (2.2 miles) in effect today until 4:26 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 9:27 am.

NEWINGTON - Road Work on RT9 Northbound between Exits 29 and 30 (1.5 miles) in effect today until 4:52 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 8:52 am.

MIDDLETOWN - Road Work on RT9 Southbound between Exits 15 and 13 (0.5 miles) in effect today until 4:04 pm. The right shoulder is closed. Reported Wednesday, December 8 at 9:04 am.