COVID-19 Updates 10/9

COVID
October 9, 2020

I hope you are continuing to stay strong because we will get through this together. Here is the latest on COVID-19 data, resources, and words of encouragement from local, national, and world leaders.
Local and National Data Updates
(Latest Data as of 4:00 PM on Friday, October 9, 2020)
 
  Confirmed Cases    Deaths    Tests Completed
Worldwide 37 Million 1.07 Million  
U.S. 7.88 Million 218,329 116 Million
Connecticut   60,038 4,530 1.79 Million
Waterbury 2,704 193  

For several additional charts and tables containing more data groups, including a town-by-town breakdown of positive cases in each municipality and a breakdown of cases and deaths among age groups, click here.

Positivity for the Future

“Friends & family please take care of yourself and your family. We are reporting an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Waterbury. We’ve had several high profile associates who have recently contracted COVID-19; Mayor Niel O’Leary, Chief Fred Spangnolo, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and others. Prayers for a speedy recovery and my condolences to the families who have loss a loved one in Greater Waterbury." - State Rep. Geraldo Reyes

“Remember the good times, be strong during the difficult times, love always, laugh often, and thank God for every day” - Unknown
CHC to Expand Testing Hours

CHC Connecticut announced that they are extending the hours at their COVID testing sites. Most locations are now administering free COVID tests from 8:30 am - 4 pm. No appointment or Doctor's referral is required.

CHC Connecticut also offers flu shots. You may be eligible to receive the shot before or after your test.

I encourage you to take advantage of these free tests, especially if you are an essential worker. Frequent testing plays an important role in halting the spread of the virus. 

Click

 here to find a CHC testing site in your community.
 
Phase 3 of Reopening Began Yesterday

Connecticut moved into Phase 3 of its reopening plan yesterday. The phase includes easing several restrictions put into place on businesses and gatherings, while continuing state efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Business changes in Phase 3 include:
  • Increase from 50% to 75% capacity indoors - dependent upon COVID-19 safety requirements - for restaurants, personal services, hair salons, barber shops, and libraries;
  • Outdoor event venues will increase from 25% to 50% capacity with masks and social distancing requirements;
  • Indoor performing venues will be able to open at 50% capacity with masks and social distancing requirements; and 
  • Bars and nightclubs will continue to remain closed.
More information about Connecticut's reopening plan, as well as guidance for residents, businesses, schools, and government, is available on the state's COVID-19 website.

Individuals can also visit the CT Reopening Center, to learn more about how the state is developing reopening guidelines. 

Weekly update to the regional travel advisory: New Mexico meets metrics to qualify, no areas removed

The regional travel advisory between Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York that directs incoming travelers from states with a significant community spread of COVID-19 to self-quarantine for a 14-day period was updated this week: New Mexico has been added to the list of impacted locations that meet the metrics to qualify, and no states or territories were removed from the list this week.

The requirement to quarantine applies to any person traveling into Connecticut from a state with a positive case rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or higher than a 10 percent test positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average. It also applies to any person arriving into Connecticut from a country for which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice.

Anyone arriving to Connecticut from any of the impacted locations is required to fill out a travel health form upon their arrival. The form can be filled out online.

The list of impacted locations is updated once per week every Tuesday. As of today, the full list of impacted locations under the travel advisory includes:

  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arkansas
  4. Colorado
  5. Delaware
  6. Florida
  7. Georgia
  8. Guam
  9. Idaho
  10. Illinois
  11. Indiana
  12. Iowa
  13. Kansas
  14. Kentucky
  15. Louisiana
  16. Minnesota
  17. Mississippi
  18. Missouri
  19. Montana
  20. Nebraska
  21. Nevada
  22. New Mexico
  23. North Carolina
  24. North Dakota
  25. Oklahoma
  26. Puerto Rico
  27. Rhode Island
  28. South Carolina
  29. South Dakota
  30. Tennessee
  31. Texas
  32. Utah
  33. West Virginia
  34. Wisconsin
  35. Wyoming
For the most up-to-date information on the regional travel advisory, including an extensive list of frequently asked questions.