Hamden Coronavirus Update: 4th Resident Dies

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden has more than 183 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, including four deaths, Mayor Curt Balzano Leng announced Thursday. Leng initially reported that a third resident had died, but the number was soon updated to four fatalities. Hamden's first death related to the new coronavirus was reported March 31 and the second fatality was announced earlier this week.

Based on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, Leng said “we must now presume Hamden has over 10,000 residents right now who have the coronavirus. One out of every 6 houses on your street, one out of every 6 people in the shopping line, could be contagious to you or a loved one.”

“We must take this very nasty virus seriously and take additional immediate actions to prevent people from getting very sick and losing more lives,” Leng wrote in an update on Facebook. “Health experts have confirmed ‘social/physical distancing’ is working and it is the only way to slow the spread of this virus. Hamden is experiencing community spread acceleration, an increased community spread sometimes called a ‘surge.’ This means more and more Hamden residents will become more sick, and more people will continue to spread the virus, until we all make every last effort to stay away from one another unless absolutely essential.

“The very best way to do this is to shelter in place. This means stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary (food, medicine or going outside for some fresh air and exercise ... away from others!).

“In addition to washing your hands, not touching your face and staying home if you are sick, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention has recommended wearing a mask or cloth mouth and nose covering for those occasions when you absolutely need to go out amongst other people.”

Leng said that “working hard to follow all Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance for protecting yourself and others will help you and will help Hamden as a community.”

“Thank you all doing your part,” Leng said. “You have a chance to be a Hamden Hero, to save a life.”

For more information on all aspects of COVID-19, including how to protect yourself and others, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website here.

Leng reminded residents to always call 911 in the event of an emergency and to call your doctor or the Yale COVID hotline at 833-275-9644 if you feel ill or think you may have COVID-19.

“This virus can get very bad, very quickly,” Leng said. “It is vital for you to keep in contact with medical professionals at every step.”

See also:

• Coronavirus Hamden: Leng Implores Residents To 'Get Serious'
• Hamden Coronavirus Update: Town Launches Reporting Portal

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