Latest Ridgefield Coronavirus Update: 16 Deaths

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Health Director Ed Briggs reports that a 16th resident has died after being infected with the new coronavirus.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health has confirmed there are 130 active cases of the virus in the Town as of Wednesday, up three from Tuesday.

In a news release from the Town Office of Emergency Management, Briggs said these numbers might be skewed in that many people, particularly those with mild symptoms, have not been tested.

"The good news is that more people are being released from the hospital than those being admitted," he said.

Ridgefield Emergency Management Director Dick Aarons said that this is because "people are continuing to do their part... by staying home, wearing masks when they do have to go out, social distancing, sanitizing and being sensible when they are taking advantage of the outdoors."

Ridgefield Responds is now accepting applications for Ridgefield residents who are experiencing immediate financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19. For applications and information on eligibility, residents may visit the Town website.

Connecticut announced another 197 coronavirus-related deaths on Wednesday along with 766 new positive cases. State COO Josh Geballe said the high single-day number was due to a catch-up period of processing data on at-home and other deaths over the past two weeks. Part of that was due to a backlog from the Office of the State Medical Examiner office.

Gov. Ned Lamont also announced that he will issue an executive order mandating the use of masks in some circumstances.