We're beginning another week of the coronavirus in Connecticut. It was just 17 days ago that the first case was confirmed. Since then, testing has ramped up with many facilities offering drive-through facilities. That means more positive tests and, as the virus spreads, sadly, more deaths.
Then there are the economic numbers that are rising, especially business closings and unemployment claims.
And finally, emotions are rising. Anxiety. Fear. Anger. And if you’re lucky, boredom.
Here’s the latest on coronavirus in Connecticut:
Topline
- At least 10 people in Connecticut have died from COVID-19.
- Gov. Lamont has clarified his ban on non-essential, in-person businesses, which goes into effect tonight at 8 p.m.
- Yale University has converted a gym to house members of the Yale community who have COVID-19, but who are not sick enough to be admitted to the hospital.
By The Numbers
All numbers are as of March 23 at 7 p.m.
- 10 deaths from COVID-19
- 415 confirmed cases
- Fairfield County: 270
- Hartford County: 61
- New Haven County: 41
- Tolland County: 16
- Litchfield County: 13
- Middlesex County: 8
- New London County: 4
- Windham County: 2
- More than 4,500 people tested
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The Latest
- Gov. Lamont has identified exemptions to his ban on non-essential, in-person jobs. That ban goes into effect tonight at 8 p.m. Here is an outline of the exemptions, via the CT Mirror.
Health care: This includes not just hospitals, doctors’ offices and pharmacies, but also physical therapists, home healthcare services, medical marijuana dispensaries, research labs and drug and other medical manufacturers. Infrastructure: Involving airline bus and other transportation services, telecommunications, utilities, power generation, trucking and hotels. Manufacturing: This includes all related suppliers. Retail: Includes gasoline stations, convenience stores, grocery stores — including department retailers who sell groceries — hardware and appliance shops. Food and Agriculture: Including restaurants — who can provide take-out and delivery service only, nurseries, farms and farmers’ markets. General Services: This broad category covers everything from legal and banks and financial support services to insurance companies and real estate agencies. Child-care services, auto and marine vessel maintenance, news media, trash collection and recycling also are exempt. Services for the poor: Includes food banks, homeless shelters and human service providers. Construction: This includes not only companies, but all skilled trades workers, electricians and plumbers. Sanitation and Public Safety: This includes not only janitors, but also building inspectors, landscaping and pest control services. It includes law enforcement personnel as well as private security and maintenance staff. Other essential services: This covers child care services, information technology support, government services and billboard leasing. Defense: Includes U.S. government contractors and other businesses related to national security.
- Yale University has converted a gymnasium into a temporary facility for COVID-19 patients who don't need to go to the hospital. The New Haven Independent reports the beds in the Lanman Center are reserved for the Yale community. A Yale spokesperson says it can serve people who can't care for themselves at home, but not sick enough to go to the hospital. The facility will also serve people who are recovering from COVID-19 but have at-risk relatives at home.
- The governor is urging residents to sign up for cell phone alerts about the coronavirus emergency. He recorded a message sent to to more than 4 million phone numbers on Sunday through the state's CTAlert system. Sign up here.
Other Reads On The Coronavirus
- The Great Empty - Photographs by The New York Times
- 'I’m going to keep pushing.' Anthony Fauci tries to make the White House listen to facts of the pandemic - Jon Cohen for Science
- NASCAR leads the virtual sports charge amid coronavirus outbreak - Kendall Baker for Axios
Need A Break? Find A Book
At the end of every year, NPR puts out its expansive Book Concierge. If you need a break from social media and the news, find a new book here.
Where are you escaping to right now? Are you finding a new book, hobby or YouTube series? Email me at tives@ctpublic.org and I’ll try to share as many as possible on these blogs as we move ahead.
Stay safe. Stay sane.