New Canaan Coronavirus Update: Another Death Reported; 21 Total

NEW CANAAN, CT — Another New Canaan resident died of complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19), which brings the total number of deaths to 21, Director of Emergency Management Mike Handler said on Monday.

The town also reports that the number of confirmed cases reached 150, one less than Darien as of Monday.

Statewide, there were 19,815 confirmed cases, 1,331 deaths and 1,919 current hospitalizations. Additionally, a total of 62,806 patients have been tested in Connecticut as of Monday.

In Fairfield County, the death toll reached 512 on Monday, and the number of cases was at 8,320. The number of hospitalizations in the county dropped by 13 to 733. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

Gov. Ned Lamont's executive order requiring masks or face coverings, when social distancing is not possible, goes into effect Monday night. No penalties are outlined for noncompliance.

"I think this is the way we are going to get this virus behind us sooner and make sure we can get everyone back to work as soon as we can," Lamont said last week.

Handler recommends a reusable cloth mask, which the town is hoping to provide to residents.

"It will take us some time to determine if this is feasible," Handler said.

"In the meantime, we are preparing to provide each resident with a simple ear-loop face mask to be used until reusable masks can be procured and distributed," he added. "I anticipate that we will be able to provide the simple face masks towards the latter part of this week and will be providing additional distribution details as they get finalized. The fact that face masks are now being required does not change the requirements to maintain social distancing and to avoid all social gatherings. These masks are recommended to be used for essential needs such as grocery shopping or picking up prescription medications."