New Canaan Coronavirus Update: Another Death Reported; Total At 7

NEW CANAAN, CT — A seventh New Canaan resident died Thursday of complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19), and the number of confirmed cases of the virus reached 63, according to Mike Handler, New Canaan's director of Emergency Management.

Handler also said that Waveny LifeCare and Silver Hill Hospital, both located in New Canaan, have reported patients and/or staff members who have tested positive for the virus.

"I would like to provide an update on two of our New Canaan partners," Handler said. "Throughout this crisis, we have been working hand-in-hand with both Waveny LifeCare Network and Silver Hill Hospital. Both healthcare systems have residents and patients that fall into the COVID-19 risk profile and both have staff members and/or residents that have tested positive. Both Waveny and Silver Hill continue to take all appropriate measures to protect staff and patients and we continue to provide equipment, training, guidance and support."

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Silver Hill is preparing to take on COVID-19 patients under a state plan, Handler said.

"On a different note, some of you may have heard that the State is planning on opening several
nursing home step-down units," Handler said. "One potential site is the Acute Care Unit at Silver Hill Hospital. The current plan calls for approximately 30 beds to be made available for COVID-19 positive patients to be discharged from local hospitals. This is necessary to free up vital beds in our hospitals. We are working with all of the parties to ensure that this can be done in a safe and
efficient manner and will keep everyone updated."