Middletown Coronavirus Update: 1st Resident Dies

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A Middletown resident has died from complications of the new coronavirus, Mayor Ben Florsheim announced Wednesday. It is the city’s first confirmed death related to COVID-19. The resident was a man in his 90s who died at Middlesex Hospital.

“The entire community is holding this resident, along with his family and loved ones, in prayer and compassion during this difficult time,” Florsheim said in a post on Facebook.

As of Wednesday, Middletown had 56 recorded positive COVID-19 cases and one death. Florsheim said 291 tests have been conducted of Middletown residents, including 235 that were negative.

“While we have made great strides in implementing social distancing practices and curbing the spread of COVID-19, the fact of the matter is that the worst is yet to come,” Florsheim said. “As challenging as it has already been, the most important thing for all of us to do going forward is to continue practicing social distancing, staying home except under truly urgent circumstances, washing hands frequently, and checking in with family and friends through virtual means. Our health tomorrow is dependent on our actions today, and now is the time to double down on all that we have been doing to keep Middletown safe. Even with the holiday weekend ahead, it is imperative that we continue on the path we’re on for the sake of our community’s health and wellness. We are in an unprecedented state of emergency at the local, state, and national level, and it will take each of us doing our part to get through it.

“We are thinking of everyone who has been affected by this disease, and in the wake of this community tragedy, recommitting to doing all we can to keep our community safe.”

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