Governor Lamont Provides Update on Connecticut’s Coronavirus Response Efforts

(HARTFORD, CT) – As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

Updated data on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and assisted living facilities

The following documents contain updated data regarding each of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Connecticut that are reporting positive cases of COVID-19 among their residents. The data is presented as it was reported to the state by each of the facilities. If a facility is not listed, that means it is reporting that it does not have any residents who have tested positive. These data reports are updated weekly.

DEEP opening eight inland swim areas and Seaside State Park

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) plans to re-open inland swimming areas at eight state parks, Seaside State Park, and the marsh boardwalk at Silver Sands State Park effective Saturday, July 18, 2020.

The eight swimming areas to re-open are: Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury; Wharton Brook State Park in Wallingford; Day Pond State Park in Colchester; Gay City State Park in Hebron; Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth; Black Rock State Park in Watertown; Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold and Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent.

They will be open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset each day. Lifeguards will not be on duty at these locations, so it is especially important for visitors and swimmers to follow these rules and guidelines for the safety of themselves and others.

These re-openings are the result of the improved COVID-19 situation in Connecticut and based on an analysis of available space sufficient to allow recreational usage consistent with crucial social distancing practices and are contingent on visitors recreating responsibly by wearing masks, social distancing, and practicing good stewardship of state recreational areas.

“It is an encouraging step that we are able to provide more amenities and services at this time as a result of the state’s progress in reducing infection rates,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Our continued progress toward re-opening at a safe, responsible pace relies on the public’s adherence to proven practices of wearing masks and social distancing for the well-being of everyone. Cooperation in this area will ensure we can continue to provide, and gradually increase, accessibility to our valuable outdoor recreation areas.”

The wearing of masks and face coverings remains an essential practice to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including while outdoors and at the beach. Visitors to state beaches shall maintain 15-ft between blankets and 6-ft from other visitors not in their household. Masks shall be worn anytime except when in the water or seated on your blanket and 6-ft from others not in your household. CDC guidance on safe outdoor recreation habits can be found here:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html

For the latest information on Connecticut State Parks and what’s open outdoors during the COVID-19 emergency, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/COVID-19-Updates-CT-State-Parks-and-Forests.

Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state’s CTAlert notification system

Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Relay services can be accessed by calling 7-1-1. Anyone who is out-of-state or using Relay can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 toll free by dialing 1-800-203-1234. The hotline is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider.