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Vaccination

COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC
Covid-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC New isolation guidelines for those infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections have just been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said there is no longer a need to isolate for five days before returning to work or school in a statement issued Friday, March 1. The CDC said it's making updates to the recommendations now because the US is seeing "far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV." Three "core prevention tips" were also detaile…
COVID-19: 'Kraken' Subvariant XBB.1.5 Gaining More Ground Nationally, CDC Warns COVID-19: 'Kraken' Subvariant XBB.1.5 Gaining More Ground Nationally, CDC Warns
Covid-19: 'Kraken' Subvariant XBB.1.5 Gaining More Ground Nationally, CDC Warns Omicron strain called XBB.1.5 which accounts for a large majority of COVID-19 cases from the New York tristate area through New England, is gaining more ground nationally. Nicknamed the "Kraken" subvariant, it now makes up 43 percent of cases nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  "XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible form of COVID-19 that we know of to date and may be more likely to infect people who have been vaccinated or already had COVID-19," the CDC said in a statement posted on Twitter on Friday, Jan. 13. According to updated CDC data released …
Child From CT Dies Of Flu In State's First Pediatric Fatality Of Season Child From CT Dies Of Flu In State's First Pediatric Fatality Of Season
Child From CT Dies Of Flu In State's First Pediatric Fatality Of Season Health officials confirmed that a child from Connecticut has died of influenza. The child, a resident of New Haven County, died in December in what is the first pediatric influenza death in the state this flu season, the Connecticut Department of Public Health said. Officials said the child was between the ages of less than a year old and 9 years old. They did not report the child's exact age. “The flu continues to circulate and is particularly dangerous to the very youngest and the oldest people in your life,” DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani said. “The holidays are just around the corner…
CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV
CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of Covid-19, Flu, RSV The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging Americans to wear masks during the holiday season to help prevent the spread of the so-called tripledemic of COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It's especially important for people living in areas with high levels of COVID transmission to mask up, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Monday, Dec. 5. “The past several years have certainly not been easy, and we now face yet another surge of ailments, another moment of overstretched capacity, and really one of tragic and often preventab…
COVID-19: Repeat Infections Can Be Dangerous, Even Deadly, Brand-New Study Reveals COVID-19: Repeat Infections Can Be Dangerous, Even Deadly, Brand-New Study Reveals
Covid-19: Repeat Infections Can Be Dangerous, Even Deadly, Brand-New Study Reveals Repeat COVID-19 infections can be dangerous, even deadly, including for those who have been vaccinated and boosted, according to a brand-new study.  The study by the Washington University School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care system found that "repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections contribute significant additional risk of adverse health conditions in multiple organ systems." The findings, published Thursday, Nov. 10 in Nature Medicine, reported that such outcomes include: hospitalization;  disorders affecting the lungs, heart, brain, and the body’s blood, mus…
First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In NY First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In NY
First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In NY State health officials have confirmed a case of polio in New York, the first time the disease has been seen in the United States in nearly a decade. The case was confirmed in Rockland County, the New York State Department of Health announced Thursday, July 21. State and county health officials said they were advising medical practitioners and healthcare providers to be on the lookout for additional cases. Today NYSDOH notified NYers of a case of polio in Rockland County, identified through sequencing at Wadsworth, confirmed by @CDCgov. Working with @rockhealth & @nychealthy, we wil…
CT Sees Jump In Monkeypox Cases CT Sees Jump In Monkeypox Cases
CT Sees Jump In Monkeypox Cases A total of 11 Connecticut residents have now been diagnosed with monkeypox, the state Department of Public Health has announced.  All 11 patients are between the ages of 20 and 50 and live in Fairfield, New Haven, and Hartford counties, the department said. The majority of the patients have not been hospitalized. “Monkeypox spreads through close prolonged contact with an infected person. This might include coming into contact with skin lesions, or body fluids, sharing clothes or other materials that have been used by an infected person, or inhaling respiratory droplets during prolonge…
COVID-19: These Groups Of People Most Prone To Getting 'Long COVID,' New Report Says COVID-19: These Groups Of People Most Prone To Getting 'Long COVID,' New Report Says
Covid-19: These Groups Of People Most Prone To Getting 'Long COVID,' New Report Says A new report lists several groups of people who experts believe may be more at risk of developing long COVID. Long COVID refers to a wide range of long-term health problems people can experience following their COVID-19 infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) "There is no test to diagnose post-COVID conditions, and people may have a wide variety of symptoms that could come from other health problems," the CDC said. "This can make it difficult for healthcare providers to recognize post-COVID conditions." The CDC said researchers are working to discover …
COVID-19: US To End Requirement Air Travelers Show Negative Test COVID-19: US To End Requirement Air Travelers Show Negative Test
Covid-19: US To End Requirement Air Travelers Show Negative Test International travelers arriving to the United States by air will no longer have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, The Hill reports. After nearly 18 months in effect, the Biden administration is doing away with the obligation at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday, June 12, the outlet reports. It comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined the move is no longer necessary “based on the science and data,” according to The Hill. Up until now, travelers hoping to catch a flight to the US had been required to show proof of a negative test one day before their flight. …
COVID-19: FDA Expands Eligibility For Pfizer Booster To Children 5 Through 11 COVID-19: FDA Expands Eligibility For Pfizer Booster To Children 5 Through 11
Covid-19: FDA Expands Eligibility For Pfizer Booster To Children 5 Through 11 Federal health officials have granted emergency use authorization for a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children. On Tuesday, May 17, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it is expanding eligibility for boosters to include children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old. That age group will be permitted to receive their booster shot five months after completing their initial COVID-19 vaccination series, officials said. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said that while data shows COVID-19 is less severe in children, the vaccine and boosters can help …
COVID-19: CDC Recommends Connecticut Residents Wear Masks Indoors In These Counties COVID-19: CDC Recommends Connecticut Residents Wear Masks Indoors In These Counties
Covid-19: CDC Recommends Connecticut Residents Wear Masks Indoors In These Counties Connecticut residents are being encouraged by federal health officials to start masking back up amid the latest surge of new COVID-19 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance on mask-wearing to concentrate on COVID hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and newly reported infections, permitting most of the state to drop the mandate. With the state reaching a seven-day average COVID-19 infection rate above 13 percent, and new cases on the rise across Connecticut, most of the state has been advised to take precautions to help curtail the spread of the…
COVID-19: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Tests Positive COVID-19: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Tests Positive
Covid-19: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Tests Positive New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she has tested positive for COVID-19.  Hochul said that she received her positive test result on Sunday, May 8, adding that she is not experiencing symptoms.  She said she plans to continue working remotely during the week. "Today I tested positive for COVID-19," Hochul tweeted. "Thankfully, I’m vaccinated and boosted, and I’m asymptomatic. I’ll be isolating and working remotely this week. A reminder to all New Yorkers: get vaccinated and boosted, get tested, and stay home if you don’t feel well." Today I tested positive for COVID-19. Thankfully, I…
COVID-19: Positive Infection Rate In CT Tops 10 Percent; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By County COVID-19: Positive Infection Rate In CT Tops 10 Percent; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By County
Covid-19: Positive Infection Rate In CT Tops 10 Percent; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By County Some in Connecticut are calling for state officials to reinstate mask mandates and other measures to help curtail the current spread of COVID-19.  In recent weeks, Connecticut has seen the number of new cases continue to rise as the average positive COVID-19 infection rate hit 10.32 percent over the past week.  In the past seven days, there have been more than 60,000 COVID-19 PCR and NAAT tests administered in Connecticut, according to the state Department of Public Health, resulting in 6,198 laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus. Last week, the average seven-day positive infec…
COVID-19: Comedian From New England Fills In As Guest Host After Jimmy Kimmel Tests Positive COVID-19: Comedian From New England Fills In As Guest Host After Jimmy Kimmel Tests Positive
Covid-19: Comedian From New England Fills In As Guest Host After Jimmy Kimmel Tests Positive Mike Birbiglia, a comedian from Massachusetts, is guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live after Kimmel tested positive for COVID-19. Kimmel announced on Monday, May 2, that he was feeling well after receiving his positive test, adding that he has been fully vaccinated and received a booster vaccine. Our daughter brought us covid (even though we specifically asked her not to) All feeling fine, I am double vaxxed and boosted but the show must not go on. Apologies to @TomCruise & @iliza and thanks to Mike Birbiglia @birbigs who'll be filling in for me starting tomorrow night — Jimmy Kimmel (@j…
COVID-19: Moderna Seeks Vaccine Authorization For Kids Under Age 6 COVID-19: Moderna Seeks Vaccine Authorization For Kids Under Age 6
Covid-19: Moderna Seeks Vaccine Authorization For Kids Under Age 6 Moderna says it has submitted a request to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 6. The company made the announcement on Thursday, April 28, saying it submitted a request to FDA to authorize its vaccine for children from ages 6 months to 6 years old. Moderna's vaccines are currently only authorized for individuals aged 18 and older. "We are proud to share that we have initiated our EUA submission for authorization for our COVID-19 vaccine for young children," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said. "We believe mRNA-1273…
COVID-19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive COVID-19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive
Covid-19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive Fully vaccinated Vice President Kamala Harris has become the latest high-ranking elected official to test positive for COVID-19 amid an outbreak of cases in the Biden Administration. Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on both rapid and PCR tests, her office announced on Tuesday, April 26. According to Kirsten Allen, the press secretary to the vice president, Harris has exhibited no symptoms, is in isolation, and will continue to work from the Vice President’s residence. Harris "has not been a close contact to the President or First Lady due to their respective recent travel schedules,” …
COVID-19: Infection Rate Back Below 8 Percent In CT, Hospitalizations Approach 200 COVID-19: Infection Rate Back Below 8 Percent In CT, Hospitalizations Approach 200
Covid-19: Infection Rate Back Below 8 Percent In CT, Hospitalizations Approach 200 The positive COVID-19 infection rate in Connecticut is declining, though the number of patients being treated for the virus in state hospitals is approaching a dubious number. In the past seven days, there have been more than 67,000 COVID-19 PCR and NAAT tests administered in Connecticut, according to the state Department of Public Health, resulting in 5,261 laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus. The seven-day average positivity rate of those tests has dipped to 7.81 percent after surging past 8 percent last week. Thirty-four more COVID-19 patients were administered to Connecticut hospit…
COVID-19: Seven-Day Positivity Rate Tops 8 Percent In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases, Deaths COVID-19: Seven-Day Positivity Rate Tops 8 Percent In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases, Deaths
Covid-19: Seven-Day Positivity Rate Tops 8 Percent In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases, Deaths The positive COVID-19 infection rate in Connecticut is back approaching 10 percent as the state and region contend with sub-variants of the virus. According to the state Department of Public Health, the COVID-19 positivity rate and hospitalizations have risen over the past seven days amid the rise in cases across the country. In the past seven days, the Department of Public Health has administered nearly 60,000 PCR and NAAT COVID-19 tests in Connecticut, resulting in 4,828 confirmed cases of the virus for an 8.09 percent positive infection rate. Twenty-seven new COVID-19 patients were admi…
COVID-19: 'This Is Not Going To Be Eradicated,' Individuals Should Assess Risk, Fauci Says COVID-19: 'This Is Not Going To Be Eradicated,' Individuals Should Assess Risk, Fauci Says
Covid-19: 'This Is Not Going To Be Eradicated,' Individuals Should Assess Risk, Fauci Says Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said that with a new wave of COVID-19 cases potentially on the horizon as new sub-variants emerge, it will be up to Americans to assess their own risk and potential to spread the virus. Fauci cautioned that with new infections on the rise across the country, it will be up to individuals to help curtail the spread of COVID-19. Earlier story - COVID-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Few Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says “It's going to be a person's decision about the individual risks they're going to take," Fauci told ABC "This Week" c…
COVID-19: Positivity Rate Above 6 Percent In CT, 14 New Deaths Reported COVID-19: Positivity Rate Above 6 Percent In CT, 14 New Deaths Reported
Covid-19: Positivity Rate Above 6 Percent In CT, 14 New Deaths Reported The COVID-19-related death toll in Connecticut has hit another dubious milestone as the state contends with a rising infection rate. In its latest update on Thursday, April 14, the state Department of Public Health reported 14 new virus-related deaths in the past week, as the number of deaths topped 10,800, reaching 10,809 since the pandemic began in March 2020. Over the past seven days, the positive infection rate in Connecticut continues to rise, up to an average of 6.26 percent after holding steady below 2 percent for several weeks earlier in 2022. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said that …
COVID-19: AG Tong Now Fourth Top CT Official To Test Positive COVID-19: AG Tong Now Fourth Top CT Official To Test Positive
Covid-19: AG Tong Now Fourth Top CT Official To Test Positive Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has become the latest top state elected official to contract COVID-19 in the span of a week. Tong announced on Wednesday, April 13 that he has become the latest to test positive for the virus, joining the likes of Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, and state Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden. Original story - COVID-19: Lamont Tests Positive Like Wooden, Tong said that he is experiencing mild symptoms, and he is isolating at home and plans to work from there for at least the next five days. Earlier story - COVID-19: State Treasurer Latest Top CT O…
COVID-19: First Spread In US Due To New Sub-Variants Of 'Stealth Omicron' Reported In NY COVID-19: First Spread In US Due To New Sub-Variants Of 'Stealth Omicron' Reported In NY
Covid-19: First Spread In US Due To New Sub-Variants Of 'Stealth Omicron' Reported In NY Two new sub-variants of BA.2. or the so-called COVID-19 "Stealth Omicron" strain, could be considerably more contagious, say health officials who are reporting a surge in cases in Central New York State,  the first such outbreak in the nation. The New York State Department of Health on Wednesday, April 13 announced the emergence of the two Omicron sub-variants: BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1.  BA.2 now accounts for more than 50 percent of COVID cases nationally and 80.6 percent in New York.  The sub-variants have been estimated to have a 23- to 27-percent growth advantage above …
COVID-19: State Treasurer Latest Top CT Official To Test Positive COVID-19: State Treasurer Latest Top CT Official To Test Positive
Covid-19: State Treasurer Latest Top CT Official To Test Positive Another top official in Connecticut has contracted COVID-19, officials announced. Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden announced that he has tested positive for the virus after taking a rapid self-test and then receiving a PCR test to confirm the COVID-19 diagnosis. Original story - COVID-19: Lamont Tests Positive Wooden becomes the third state official to test positive, joining both Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, all in the past week. Related story - COVID-19: CT Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz Tests Positive Just Days After Lamont Becomes Infected According t…
COVID-19: CT Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz Tests Positive Just Days After Lamont Becomes Infected COVID-19: CT Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz Tests Positive Just Days After Lamont Becomes Infected
Covid-19: CT Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz Tests Positive Just Days After Lamont Becomes Infected Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz announced she has tested positive for COVID-19 days after Gov. Ned Lamont announced he has become infected with the virus. Bysiewicz said in the announcement on Monday, April 11, that she feels well and is not experiencing symptoms.  "I have tested positive for COVID-19," Bysiewicz said. "Thanks to the vaccine and booster shot, I’m asymptomatic and feel well. Throughout the coming week, I will follow CDC guidance and isolate by working from home. If you aren’t vaccinated or boosted yet, please go get your shot today!" I have tested positive for COVI…
COVID-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says COVID-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says
Covid-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says A fall COVID-19 surge is likely due to the highly transmissible "stealth Omicron" sub-variant, Dr. Anthony Fauci is now saying. "It is likely that we will see a surge in the fall," Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical advisor to the president, said in an interview with Bloomberg conducted last week. "I would think that we should expect that we are going to see some increase in cases as you get to the colder weather in the fall." The BA.2, more commonly known as “stealth Omicron," now accounts for …
COVID-19: Lamont Tests Positive COVID-19: Lamont Tests Positive
Covid-19: Lamont Tests Positive Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced he has tested positive for COVID-19. Lamont said he received his positive test on Thursday, April 7, and that he was not experiencing symptoms.  "I wanted you to hear straight from me that I tested positive for COVID-19 today," Lamont tweeted. "I feel good and I’m not experiencing any symptoms. We’ve done contact tracing to let people know. Thankfully I’m double boosted and I encourage everyone to get your vaccine and boosters if eligible." I wanted you to hear straight from me that I tested positive for COVID-19 today. I feel good and I’m not expe…
COVID-19: Positivity Rate Rises To Near 4 Percent In CT, 32 New Deaths Reported COVID-19: Positivity Rate Rises To Near 4 Percent In CT, 32 New Deaths Reported
Covid-19: Positivity Rate Rises To Near 4 Percent In CT, 32 New Deaths Reported The positive COVID-19 infection rate continues to rise in Connecticut, which reported nearly three dozen new deaths. In its latest update on Thursday, March 31, the state Department of Public Health reported 32 new virus-related deaths in the past week, as the number of deaths rose to 10,776 since March 2020. On Wednesday, March 30, nearly 12,000 COVID-19 tests were administered in Connecticut, resulting in 471 confirmed new cases for a 3.95 percent daily positive infection rate after seeing it hover around 2 percent for weeks earlier in 2022. Ten more COVID-19 patients were discharged fro…
COVID-19: Hospitalizations Back Below 100 In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases, Deaths By County COVID-19: Hospitalizations Back Below 100 In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases, Deaths By County
Covid-19: Hospitalizations Back Below 100 In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases, Deaths By County The number of COVID-19 patients being treated in Connecticut hospitals is back below 100 as the state continues its recovery from the winter surge of infections across the state. On Tuesday, March 29, there were nearly 14,000 COVID-19 tests administered in Connecticut, according to the latest update from the state Department of Public Health, which resulted in 458 confirmed cases of the virus for a 3.35 percent daily positive infection rate, down slightly from the previous day. Three COVID-19 patients were discharged from Connecticut hospitals, bringing the total to 98 still being treated f…
COVID-19: Infection Rate Near 4 Percent, Hospitalizations Up In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases COVID-19: Infection Rate Near 4 Percent, Hospitalizations Up In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases
Covid-19: Infection Rate Near 4 Percent, Hospitalizations Up In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases After seeing the COVID-19 numbers in Connecticut showing improvement for several weeks, the positive infection rate and virus-related hospitalizations are back on the rise. On Monday, March 28, the Connecticut Department of Public Health reported that out of more than 10,000 COVID-19 tests that were administered statewide, there were 365 laboratory-confirmed infections for a 3.65 percent daily positive rate, up from the weekend. Seven more COVID-19 patients were also admitted to Connecticut hospitals, bringing the total being treated for the virus back above 100 to 101.  Of the 101 CO…
COVID-19: Hillary Clinton Holed Up At Home In Region After Positive Test COVID-19: Hillary Clinton Holed Up At Home In Region After Positive Test
Covid-19: Hillary Clinton Holed Up At Home In Region After Positive Test Hillary Clinton has become the latest high-ranking Democrat to contract COVID-19. Following confirmed infections from former President Barack Obama and most recently, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Clinton announced that she tested positive and that she is hunkering down in her Northern Westchester home, located in the hamlet of Chappaqua in the town of New Castle. Clinton, age 74, said that she has some mild cold symptoms, but otherwise is feeling fine after the positive test. “Well, I’ve tested positive for COVID,” she posted on social media. “I’m more grateful than ever for the…
COVID-19: CT School District Sets Date To End Mask Mandate COVID-19: CT School District Sets Date To End Mask Mandate
Covid-19: CT School District Sets Date To End Mask Mandate A Fairfield County school district is set to become the latest in the state to ditch masks for students and staff members as Connecticut continues its recovery of the winter COVID-19 surge of fresh infections. Bridgeport Schools Superintendent Michael Testani announced that following the latest meeting of the Board of Education, they voted to drop the mask mandate in all public schools beginning as of Thursday, March 31. According to Testani, the decision to make masks optional in school settings was “not made without important guidance from our local health officials,” and was in response …