New Canaan Coronavirus Update: Number Of Deaths Reaches 25

NEW CANAAN, CT — A total of 25 New Canaan residents have died of complications from the new coronavirus (COVID-19) as of Monday, and the number of confirmed cases of the virus grew by two to reach 193, according to Emergency Management Director Mike Handler.

Statewide as of Monday there have been 2,556 coronavirus-related deaths, and the number of confirmed cases stood at 29,973.

The number of hospitalizations, however, continues to fall statewide, down by 24 to 1,464 on Monday, according to state health officials. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

In his daily briefing, Handler says that that aspect of the coronavirus fight points toward positive news.

"One area where there has been significant progress is capacity at our local hospitals. We talk a lot about the capacity of our healthcare system, and I think it is important to put this into perspective," Handler said. "Both Norwalk and Stamford Hospitals have done a tremendous job increasing overall bed counts by more than 40 percent combined. At the same time, both hospitals reduced or eliminated non-covid-19 hospitalizations and procedures. With respect to intensive care unit capacity, again both hospitals worked tirelessly to increase total beds by over 300 percent combined. With hospitalizations declining, there is unquestionably spare capacity within our local healthcare system. I want to point out that while roughly half of the combined hospital’s ICU beds are now available, the current ICU census for both hospitals combined is still more than 200 percent the pre-COVID-19 ICU capacity. To say that differently, the current ICU census for our two hospital is ½ the new increased capacity, but it is still 2 times the original capacity that the hospitals were built and licensed to treat.

"I share this data, not to bore you with the details, but I think it is important for everyone to have the facts. My hope is that by your knowing the true state of our healthcare system, you will be empowered to do your part in containing the spread of this virus even as we move to gradually re-open parts of our economy. This means continuing to wash your hands frequently, wear face coverings and maintain proper social distancing."