Latest Ridgefield Coronavirus Update: 14 Deaths

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Connecticut Department of Public Health has confirmed there are 118 cases of the new coronavirus in the Town as of Wednesday. There have been 14 deaths in Ridgefield attributed to the virus, according to Health Director Ed Briggs.

Ridgefield is approximately a week behind New York as far as flattening the curve, according to Briggs, who is urging everyone to "remain vigilant." He is also asking residents not to call the Health Department with complaints about those who are not complying with social distancing.

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"Each individual business is responsible for encouraging social distancing, but all of us are responsible for using best practices and for helping them comply," Briggs said in a news release.

Statewide, as of Thursday afternoon, there are 9,784 laboratory-confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, 1,464 people have been hospitalized and there have been 380 laboratory-confirmed disease-associated deaths. That's an increase of 1,003 positive cases, 45 more deaths, 46 more hospitalized and another 1,802 tests done since Wednesday.

Also on Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont said Connecticut public schools, restaurants and bars will not reopen on April 20 as originally planned.

"In the best interests of public health," Lamont tweeted, he and state Department of Education Commissioner Miquel Cardona decided "to delay the re-opening of classes at schools until May 20." Lamont added that he wouldn't be shocked to see the May 20 date extended.