'Urgent Health Advisory' Issued + New School Report Draws Outrage

Good Friday morning Connecticut,

It looks like we're in for some beautiful weather Friday and this weekend. Temperatures will reach 70 degrees today, and we'll see mid 70s this weekend with sunshine all three days.

Rain will move in on Sunday, but more likely in the overnight hours leading into Monday morning.

Did you know?

During the 2019-2020 school year, 670 prekindergarten through second grade students were issued more than 1,100 suspensions, according to a CT News Junkie report. The report says that 70 percent of the suspensions were issued to children of color with disabilities.

A state child advocate blasted the report, calling it "crazy, it’s absolutely indefensible," while adding it's a "violation of children's civil rights." The child advocate told CT News Junkie that the young pupils need to remain in the classroom and extra support for teachers is what is desperately needed.

More than 100 school districts in Connecticut reported a suspension involving a young pupil.

Please read the full, in-depth CT News Junkie report on this topic here.

Statement From Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines For Expectant Mothers

On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an "urgent health advisory" for people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant, or who might become pregnant in the future to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

The CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination for both pregnant persons and their fetus or infant outweigh known or potential risks. Additionally, I am advising health departments and providers throughout the state to educate expectant persons on the benefits and safety of our COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals who are pregnant or considering pregnancy and have any questions should please talk to their healthcare provider about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Trust the science. Don’t trust the myths on social media.

See related: COVID-19 Deaths Soar In CT As Positivity & Hospitalizations Drop

The deadly COVID-19 illness can affect you and your newborn. Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes that could include preterm birth, stillbirth, admission to the ICU, and a newborn also infected with COVID-19.

According to CDC data, only 31 percent of pregnant people across the country have been vaccinated against COVID-19, and vaccination rates vary markedly by race and ethnicity.

Vaccination coverage is highest among Asian people who are pregnant (45.7 percent), but lower among Hispanic or Latino pregnant people (25 percent), and lowest among Black pregnant people (15.6 percent).

For the health of your baby—and for your own health—please get the COVID-19 vaccine.

See also: CT National Guard On Standby To Fill Numerous Anticipated Vaccine Compliance Vacancies: Lamont

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• Connecticut Received ‘F’ For Fiscal Health

CT Mirror examines who the state paid for COVID-19 testing

Here's a live look at traffic conditions across Connecticut

MERIDEN - Road Work on I-691 Westbound between Exits 9 and 7 (1.3 miles) in effect today until 3:30 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, October 1 at 9:52 am.

MANCHESTER - Road Work on I-84 Westbound between Exits 63 and 61 (2.6 miles) in effect today until 3:31 pm. The 2 left lanes are closed. Reported Friday, October 1 at 9:38 am.

HARTFORD - I-84 Eastbound is congested between Exits 44 and 48 (2.3 miles) because of Crash (Tractor Trailer Vs 2 Veh) between Exits 48 and 49. The left and center lanes are closed. Reported Friday, October 1 at 9:49 am.

W. HARTFORD - I-84 Eastbound is congested between Exits 44 and 48 (2.3 miles) because of Crash (Tractor Trailer Vs 2 Veh) between Exits 48 and 49. The left and center lanes are closed. Reported Friday, October 1 at 9:49 am.

WESTPORT - Delays on I-95 Southbound between Exits 18 and 11 is now clear. Reported at 6:40 am and updated at 10:12 am.

STAMFORD - Delays on I-95 Southbound between Exits 9 and 5 is now clear. Reported at 9:55 am and updated at 10:12 am.

NEW CANAAN - ROUTE 106 both directions CLOSED between Main Street and Forest Street because of a Hazardous road condition. Reported Wednesday, September 29 at 6:22 am.

PLAINVILLE - Crash (2 Vehicle) on RT72 Eastbound prior to Exit 4. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, October 1 at 9:51 am.

HARWINTON - Road Work on RT8 Northbound between Exits 43 and 44 (1.0 miles) in effect today until 3:34 pm. The right lane is closed. Reported Friday, October 1 at 9:37 am.