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Over the weekend, the first tests for coronavirus were tested at the Connecticut Department of Health’s state laboratory, with both coming back negative. To date, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Connecticut.
“Right now, the risk to Connecticut residents remains low,” the governor stated. "It’s understandable that many people are worried. Public health experts don’t have all the answers yet, but they are learning more about COVID-19 every day.
“It’s important that everybody take steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in getting ready and staying healthy.”
Lamont said that state agencies have been in “constant communication regarding preparedness for when the first cases are confirmed in our state.”
“These cross-agency discussions started in December 2019. There are regular communications taking place between state agencies, coordination with health institutions and local health departments, in addition to discussions with our neighboring states regarding their experiences with COVID-19."
Lamont said as a precaution, residents should:- Wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid shaking hands as a greeting;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Stay home when you are sick;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
As of Monday, March 2, there were 87,137 confirmed cases of coronavirus across the globe, including 1,739 new cases. Of those cases, 79,968 cases were confirmed in China, with 2,873 deaths reported. There have been 62 confirmed cases in the United States, with one death.
The World Health Organization has upgraded the regional and global risk level assessment to “very high.”
Lamont was scheduled to meet with the United States Surgeon General at the Connecticut Department of Health lab in Rocky Hill on Monday to discuss developments on coronavirus.
“This is a rapidly-evolving situation, and that leads to a great deal of misinformation being disseminated about COVID-19 and its spread,” the governor noted. “There is no link between race or ethnicity and the spread of coronavirus. Viruses do not discriminate.
Lamont added that “it’s especially important that our students and children receive this message to prevent bullying and harassment in our schools.
"Facts and science, proven public health measures, and commonsense precautions in our personal lives are the best measures we can take to protect both the people we serve at work and our friends and families at home.”
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