Since Friday, 9 additional Connecticut residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases in the state to 20.
This includes the first cases that have been detected in Hartford and New Haven Counties.
“The number of cases announced today (Saturday) reinforces for us what we knew was already going to happen: this virus is spreading and it is here in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said in a release.
Lamont urged residents to take preventative measures like limiting large gatherings and keeping a safe social distance.
On Saturday the Governor signed his third executive order since the enactment of the emergency declarations earlier this week.
The order:
- Relaxes in-person open meeting requirements to minimize large gatherings, with safeguards to provide remote public access;
- Allows pharmacists to compound and sell hand sanitizer;
- Waives requirements for pharmacists to use certain personal protective equipment when working with non-hazardous, sterile compounds;
- Authorizes refunds of liquor permit fees for special events that have since been canceled;
- Waives face-to-face interview requirements for Temporary Family Assistance;
- Authorizes the Commissioner of Early Childhood to waive certain licensing and other requirements to maintain and increase the availability of childcare; and
- Authorizes the Office of Health Strategy to waive Certificates of Need and other requirements to ensure adequate availability of healthcare resources and facilities.
A county-by-county breakdown of the positive cases includes:
- Fairfield County: 15
- Hartford County: 1
- Litchfield County: 3
- New Haven County: 1
Also:
- Governor Lamont has directed telework requirements to be eased for certain executive branch state employees, allowing an increased number of employees to work from home. He is also providing executive branch state employees who cannot report to work due to COVID-19 14 days of paid time off.
- Service changes announced for Shore Line East and the Hartford Line.
- The Connecticut National Guard is aiding the state with requests for assistance.
- Internet providers are increasing support to provide internet access to families as schools and businesses are closed.