One year ago, a Connecticut hospital employee tested positive for coronavirus, marking the first case connected to the state. Since then, there have been over 285,000 cases of coronavirus in Connecticut and more than 7,700 people have died.
The Connecticut hospital employee who was first infected was an employee from Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital and a New York resident. She lived in Westchester County and the positive coronavirus test was performed in New York state.
"We believe she was infected in New York," said Chief Operating Officer of Danbury Hospital Kerry Eaton when the employee tested positive.
The commissioner of the state Department of Public Health Renee Coleman-Mitchell said the case did not officially count as a Connecticut case.
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"This is not unexpected. We were prepared for this," Governor Ned Lamont said one year ago after the employee first tested positive.
One Year Ago: First COVID-19 Cases in Conn.
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The first case involving a Connecticut resident came a few days later when a man from Wilton tested positive for COVID-19 on March 8, 2020.
The man is a resident of Wilton, is 40 to 50 years old and was being treated at Danbury Hospital, according to Lamont.The man most likely became infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 during a trip to California, Lamont said when the man first tested positive.
The second person who was infected was a community physician who made rounds at Bridgeport Hospital, according to Lamont. The physician is also a New York State resident who works in Connecticut, Lamont added.
The Wilton man's case was not related to the COVID-19 case involving a community physician who made rounds at Bridgeport Hospital or the case involving a Danbury Hospital employee. Both are residents of New York State, according to Lamont.
A day later, a second Connecticut resident tested positive for coronavirus. That person received treatment at Bridgeport Hospital, state officials said. Authorities never released further details about the case.
The Latest: Coronavirus in Connecticut
Within the last year, there have been over 285,000 cases of coronavirus in Connecticut and more than 7,700 people have died.
Earlier this week, Lamont announced plans to roll back capacity restrictions at many businesses later this month. Masks and social distancing requirements will still be in effect.
The state continues to be a national leader in vaccine distribution. As of Thursday, more than one million doses have been distributed with more being distributed every day.
Who Can Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut
- The state started the vaccine rollout in mid-December by vaccinating healthcare personnel, long-term care facility residents and medical first responders.
- As of mid-January, Connecticut residents 75 and older have been able to sign up for an appointment and get a vaccine.
- Connecticut residents 55 and older can sign up and get an appointment.
- Pre-K-12 Teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, food service providers, school bus drivers and childcare providers as well as in-school administrative staff. This group does not include individuals who are not required to work on-site in a school.
- Note: Pre-K-12 school staff and teachers, and professional child care providers will be eligible for the vaccine.
- People 45 to 55
- People 16 and up
Note:To get a vaccine in Connecticut, you must either live or work in the state. If you typically visit a provider here but do not live or work in Connecticut, you are not eligible and must get vaccinated in your home state.
