CT Coronavirus: 159 Positive Cases Now And 3 Deaths

HARTFORD, CT — There are now 159 confirmed coronavirus cases in Connecticut, up from 96 on Wednesday. Greenwich Hospital reported 44 cases alone. Three Connecticut residents have died as a result of the virus, officials said late Wednesday.

There are 102 cases in Fairfield County, 18 in Hartford County, 7 in Litchfield County, three in Middlesex County, 23, in New Haven County, four in Tolland County and two in Windham County. New London County has yet to have a positive case.

Health officials have said we should assume that for every positive test that means 100 people have the virus.

As Connecticut continues to try to “flatten the curve,” and blunt the spread of the new coronavirus, intensified testing to identify the people who are infected is "vital." The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine will begin for COVID-19, officials said Thursday morning.

It's said beginning March 23, and they will do 150 tests a day but are ramping up and hiring more staff to increase that number.

See related: Coronavirus CT: 2nd Death Announced; New Details On Closures

More CT Businesses Ordered To Close Due To Coronavirus Concerns

Known as JAX-GM, the lab is partnering with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, UConn Health, and Hartford HealthCare to provide the state with significant additional coronavirus diagnostic testing capacity.

Gov. Ned Lamont said testing is "desperately needed" and while its increased "over 10 times since last week," a continued increase in testing is needed to"find out who is a carrier to make sure they are isolated."

This additional testing capacity will both allow DPH to diagnose patients who have the virus, and will allow researchers to learn more about the virus for broader epidemiological purposes. Ultimately, this will enable the state to test more people, faster.

Lamont said the effort will "provide diagnostic testing at a time when we need it most."

"By having an increased testing capacity at our disposal, Connecticut will be able to be more proactive against this illness. This collaborative effort is also a reminder that we are all in this together and so many are stepping up in our state in a big way," he said.

COVID-19 Deaths

As of 6 p.m. Thursday, there are 159 confirmed cases and three deaths have been reported. A Ridgefield man in his 80s, who was being treated at Danbury Hospital died Wednesday and before dawn on Thursday morning, a 91-year-old man from New Canaan being treated at Norwalk Hospital died from COVID-19-related complications. A second New Canaan resident died as a result of the coronavirus. 2nd New Canaan Man Dies From The Virus

Widespread closures from bars to barbers, now

Connecticut joined New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to shutter restaurants and bars, though takeout and delivery are allowed, movie theaters, casinos, gyms, large indoor retail shopping malls, amusement parks, and bowling alleys.

Lamont’s latest executive order shut down any stores, pharmacies, restaurants, or other establishments located within or connected to large shopping malls must be closed to the public. Then, an order for public amusement venues including aquariums, zoos, arcades, fairs, children's play centers, theme parks, and other family and children's attractions shall be closed to the public.

Thursday, Lamont issued an executive order directing that all nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, and other cosmetology services close. Today. "These are difficult decisions that are all meant to put public health first," he said.

Filing for unemployment

Lamont suspended the requirement for furloughed workers to prove that they are actively searching for work in order to obtain ongoing unemployment benefits. The state Department of Labor says people should file claims online by clicking here, where they say those claims will be expedited. It's reported that while job centers remain open at this time for unemployment benefits, but there will be significant delays for any in-person business.

Medicaid updates

Expansion of Medicaid telehealth coverage to audio-only telephone: The order modifies state statutes in order to allow Medicaid to cover audio-only telehealth services.

Waiver of in-person service, hearing, and screening requirements for facilities that have issued orders limiting visitor access to protect the public health: The order modifies state statutes in order to provide flexibility for critical legal functions regarding conservators and competency hearings to ensure the safety of nursing home patients.

Guidance for restaurants doing take-out/delivery

Restaurants that are doing take-out and/or delivery can remain open but they cannot sell alcohol and any food that is served at these establishments must be for take-away and not eaten on site.

Help for small businesses

In a conference call between business leaders and the state department of economic development, it's reported by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association that state economic and community development chief David Lehman said "80% Connecticut businesses expect sales/revenue declines; 50% remain open at full capacity, 39% are running at reduced capacity, and 12% are closed."

Small business in the state will be able to to file for economic disaster assistance, including access to low-interest loans, Lamont said. He submitted a request to the U.S. Small Business Administration asking the federal agency to issue a declaration for Connecticut small business owners to receive disaster loans. Officials hope the measures benefit the business community, which has been distressed amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

There's guidance for workers, employers and small businesses.

Latest on schools

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only endangering the health and safety of Connecticut's citizens but also causing unprecedented disruption to all aspects of daily human life, including public education, officials said. While schools are currently closed until March 30, federal guidance suggests closures will likely extend beyond that time frame. The Connecticut State Department of Education asked school districts to immediately begin providing opportunities for continuity of education, as well as meeting other basic needs, for all students to the greatest extent possible and consistent with federal and state guidance. And this week, provided print and digital resoures to schools.

State aid to some cities/towns

To provide towns and cities with some financial assistance during this emergency period, Lamont ordered the Office of Policy and Management to release to all municipalities in the state the second of three annual payments from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund in advance of the statutory payment date.

The FY2020 state budget appropriated $51,47 million for this fund, and the related statutory provisions regarding the grants to municipalities requires them to be distributed in three separate payments throughout the year – by January 1, April 1, and June 30.
The second payment – due in April – totals $17,15 million. Municipalities should anticipate receiving this payment no later than Monday, March 23.

Help for the uninsured

Access Health CT opens special enrollment today through April 2 for the uninsured. Coverage for those who enroll during this period will begin April 1. Sign up for this special enrollment period by calling 1-855-365-2428 (TTY: 1-855-789-2428). Telephone enrollment is available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Individuals who lose coverage due to unemployment, experience certain other qualifying life events, or qualify for Medicaid/Children's Health Program (CHIP), can always enroll online, in-person or over the phone and all help is free. For more information on this announcement, click here.

Coronavirus information for residents

For the most up-to-date information from the state on COVID-19, including guidance and other resources, residents in the state are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The information line is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access for those with a hearing impairment. The hotline only intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider to seek treatment.