Latest New Haven Coronavirus Updates

NEW HAVEN, CT — The new coronavirus outbreak in Connecticut and across the nation is having vast impacts in New Haven, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. The governor has declared a 'Stay Safe, Stay Home' program. All non-life-sustaining businesses in Connecticut have been closed.
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The number of confirmed positive coronavirus cases in Connecticut has now reached 25,977, and 2,012 deaths reported along with 1,758 hospitalizations currently. New Haven has 1,477 confirmed cases and 52 deaths.

Here are the latest local updates from New Haven:

New Haven officials have taken several steps to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus. Mayor Justin Elicker has encouraged volunteers, nurses, doctors, and medical professionals to sign up for the Medical Reserve Corps to be on the frontlines battling the virus.

The city initially limited gatherings to less than 50 people. Now stricter guidelines are in place, as Gov. Ned Lamont's newest proclamation states that gatherings should be of no more than five people until April 30.

New Haven schools will be closed until at least April 20, though officials speculate they will likely not open until the fall. The state's "Stay Safe, Stay Home" order also directs all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities in Connecticut to prohibit all in-person functions as strictly as possible.

New Haven libraries will be closed indefinitely. However, the library's digital resources remain available.

The "trails and grounds in New Haven Parks are open for solitary outdoor enjoyment" but not for group activities, according to the Parks and Recreation Department's Facebook page. The Parks and Recreation Department has canceled all events until April 12. Lighthouse Point Park is now closed to vehicles, but is accessible by transit or by foot.

City Hall and other city service operations remain limited at this time. However, officials are available for Zoom teleconferencing meetings.

Elicker has said that even if the federal government eases social distancing restrictions soon—as President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to do—the city will "stay the course" and continue to enforce restrictions.

See related: New Haven County's Best-Case Scenario For Coronavirus

CT Coronavirus: New Grocery Store Changes, Retail Restrictions

New Haven Coronavirus Update: City Will 'Stay The Course'