Connecticut now has 27 coronavirus-related deaths and 1,291 cases statewide, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.
The 279 new cases was the biggest single-day jump in the three weeks since testing began, Lamont said.
With 1,900 tests completed in the past 24 hours, it is not the largest percentage of new cases, he said.
Here is how the numbers break down by county:
Fairfield County: 752
New Haven: 222
Hartford County: 189
Litchfield County: 52
Middlesex County: 25
New London County: 15
Tolland County: 33
Windham County:3
Gov. Lamont called on retired nurses and doctors to come forward to help hospitals deal with the growing number of cases throughout the state.
The state has 6,800 beds in hospitals across the state, according to State of Connecticut COO Josh Geballe. Right now, 39-percent of those beds are vacant, he said.
The hospitals have done a good job of clearing beds by putting elective surgeries on hold and taking other measures, according to Geballe.
Hospitals in Fairfield County are closer to capacity because that is where the majority of the state's coronavirus cases are located.
Connecticut has 932 ventilators statewide. Lamont's administration has asked the federal government for 1,500 more, but has not heard back on its request, Geballe said.
Coronavirus Symptoms
The key symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the CDC are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms can appear in infected persons two to 14 days after exposure.
Coronavirus Prevention Steps
Steps for prevention from the CDC include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, such as to the grocery store
- Coverings should not be placed on children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a health care worker
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Steps to Self-Monitor for Coronavirus
Steps to self-monitor from the CDC include:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
If you do get sick with a fever, cough or have trouble breathing, call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and communicate with your doctor about your recent travel.
- If you develop symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
The CDC has a special website set up with details about the coronavirus, including how it spreads and treatment.
Anyone with questions relating to coronavirus can call 2-1-1 or text "CTCOVID" to 898211. The 2-1-1 hotline is available 24 hours a day.
You can also visit the state's coronavirus information website here. Residents are encouraged to check the website for answers to questions before calling the hotline.
