COVID-19: Wave Of Omicron Cases In US May Be At Turning Point, Virus Expert Says COVID-19: Wave Of Omicron Cases In US May Be At Turning Point, Virus Expert Says
Covid-19: Wave Of Omicron Cases In US May Be At Turning Point, Virus Expert Says The wave of COVID-19 cases in the United States triggered by the highly contagious Omicron variant may be at a turning point, an infectious disease expert says. Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb says parts of the nation may be about to pass the peak phase of the outbreak, while other regions will likely soon be hit hard. "f you look what's happening across the East Coast right now in New York City, Washington, DC, Maryland, probably Florida as well have already peaked, maybe Delaware and Rhode Island," Gottlieb said Sunday, Jan. 9 on CBS-TV's "Face the Nation." "You start to see t…
COVID-19: First Cases Of Double-Infection Florona Disease Identified COVID-19: First Cases Of Double-Infection Florona Disease Identified
Covid-19: First Cases Of Double-Infection Florona Disease Identified While all eyes are on the Omicron COVID-19 variant, a new public health threat has emerged as the country enters the heart of flu season amid the second year of the pandemic. The first cases of Florona disease - a combination of the flu and coronavirus infections - have been reported, causing concern for some as the double infection looms large in parts of the world. In Israel, the first reported case of the disease was identified on Friday, Dec. 31 in a woman who went into labor and was not vaccinated against COVID-19, officials said. Another case was also identified in a pregnant woman. A…
COVID-19: These States Have Highest, Lowest Case Rates To Start November COVID-19: These States Have Highest, Lowest Case Rates To Start November
Covid-19: These States Have Highest, Lowest Case Rates To Start November The Northeast seems to be trending in the right direction when it comes to COVID cases to start out November. New data from the CDC shows the states with the highest COVID cases reported in the last 7 days. The 12 states with the highest number of new cases in the last week (per 100,000) are  New Hampshire: 622 North Dakota: 611 Montana: 866 Wyoming: 414 Alaska: 667 Minnesota: 2941 Maine: 1348 Idaho: 1244 Utah: 2152 Colorado: 2747 New Mexico: 1161 West Virginia 849 Hey Utah, once again we’re trending in the wrong direction. Utah now among top 10 states in nation with new COVID cases (…
COVID-19: Sale Of Fake Vaccine Cards Prompts FBI Warning COVID-19: Sale Of Fake Vaccine Cards Prompts FBI Warning
Covid-19: Sale Of Fake Vaccine Cards Prompts FBI Warning The FBI has issued a warning about individuals selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and advertising them online. The agency said individuals should not purchase or make fake vaccine cards, and not fill in blank cards with false information, as it could put people's health at risk. "By misrepresenting yourself as vaccinated when entering schools, mass transit, workplaces, gyms, or places of worship, you put yourself and others around you at risk of contracting COVID-19," the FBI said. The FBI added that using an official government agency seal, like The Department of Health and Huma…
Drive-Thru Dinosaur Exhibit Coming To Connecticut Drive-Thru Dinosaur Exhibit Coming To Connecticut
Drive-Thru Dinosaur Exhibit Coming To Connecticut A taste of Jurassic Park is coming to Connecticut. More than 70 photorealistic dinosaurs are ready to return from extinction for families and dino fans in Connecticut as the Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru comes to Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Hartford from Friday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 8. According to organizers, “the Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru will transform outdoor areas throughout the region into a fun-filled drive-thru experience complete with life-like dinosaurs, baby dino, and trainer meet and greets, photo opportunities, a choose-your-own-audio-adventure…
COVID-19: These Retailers Are Allowing Maskless Shopping For Fully Vaccinated COVID-19: These Retailers Are Allowing Maskless Shopping For Fully Vaccinated
Covid-19: These Retailers Are Allowing Maskless Shopping For Fully Vaccinated With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and most states loosening up mask-wearing restrictions, many retailers are following suit and are enacting new policies for customers and employees. The CDC said last week that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or stay 6 feet apart from others in most cases, whether indoors or outdoors. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single dose of Johnson & Johnson. The following mandates are in place at thes…
COVID-19: American Federation Of Teachers President Calls For Full School Reopenings In Fall COVID-19: American Federation Of Teachers President Calls For Full School Reopenings In Fall
Covid-19: American Federation Of Teachers President Calls For Full School Reopenings In Fall The head of the second-largest teachers union in the United States is calling on a full return to five-day-a-week in-person learning at all schools in the fall, declaring that her organization was “all-in.” In an address posted on social media, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers said that with more and more Americans becoming eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, it is imperative that schools fully reopen for students and staff during the next academic year. “Conditions have changed,” she said. "We can and we must reopen schools in the fall for in-person te…
COVID-19: Here's Number Of Americans Who've Become Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says COVID-19: Here's Number Of Americans Who've Become Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says
Covid-19: Here's Number Of Americans Who've Become Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released the first data on so-called "breakthrough" COVID-19 cases, meaning those who have become infected despite being fully vaccinated. So far, there have been about 5,800 such cases, the CDC told CNN.  At the time that data was collected, 77 million American adults had been fully vaccinated, meaning 99.992 percent had dodged the disease. The efficacy rates of the double-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both around 95 percent. "To date, no unexpected patterns have been identified in case demographics or vaccine ch…
COVID-19: CT Releases Guidance For Proms, Graduations COVID-19: CT Releases Guidance For Proms, Graduations
Covid-19: CT Releases Guidance For Proms, Graduations As the end of the school year grows near and students are dreaming of proms and graduation ceremonies, Connecticut state officials have released guidelines on how to limit the spread of COVID-19. State officials from the Department of Education and Department of Public Health have released a three-page document, that stresses the importance of many of the key preventions that have been in place for the past year including mask-wearing, social distancing, hand sanitizing, and limiting groups size for events. They are also asking school districts to have rapid contact tracing in place an…
COVID-19: CDC Director Warns Of 'Avoidable Rise In Cases,' Says US Is At Fork In Road COVID-19: CDC Director Warns Of 'Avoidable Rise In Cases,' Says US Is At Fork In Road
Covid-19: CDC Director Warns Of 'Avoidable Rise In Cases,' Says US Is At Fork In Road Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky is urging Americans to remain vigilant so the country doesn’t see an “avoidable rise in cases." Walensky warned on Monday, March 22 that another surge similar to what happened in the winter is “avoidable” as the federal government ramps up production and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. “I get it. We all want to return to our everyday activities and spend time with our friends, family, and loved ones,” she said. “But we must find the fortitude to hang in there just a bit longer. "We are at a critical point in this …
COVID-19: Here's When 100-Percent Capacity Dining Starts In Connecticut COVID-19: Here's When 100-Percent Capacity Dining Starts In Connecticut
Covid-19: Here's When 100-Percent Capacity Dining Starts In Connecticut Connecticut restaurants are gearing up for a potential rush as the state plans to roll back another COVID-19 restriction and allow full dining rooms. On Friday, March 19, restaurants in Connecticut have been given the green light to expand back to 100 percent capacity, though certain virus-related restrictions will remain in place. Nearly a year after indoor dining was shuttered due to the pandemic, the capacity restrictions will be released, though parties will be limited to eight patrons, who will be socially distanced from other tables. Restaurants must close by 11 p.m., and facial cove…
COVID-19: Stay Away On St. Patrick's Day, CDC Says COVID-19: Stay Away On St. Patrick's Day, CDC Says
Covid-19: Stay Away On St. Patrick's Day, CDC Says Irish eyes will still be smiling on St. Patrick’s Day this year, but doing so socially distanced or virtually if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has its way. Though the number of COVID-19 cases is dropping as more vaccines are distributed across the country, the CDC is advising that anyone planning to celebrate the holiday on Wednesday should do so at home to stay safe and protect others. Due to the pandemic, most St. Patrick’s Day parades and other traditional celebrations have been called off as the U.S. inches closer to the COVID-19. To still enjoy a festive St. Patrick’s…
COVID-19: CDC Revisiting Guidance After Study Reveals New Safe Social DIstance For Students COVID-19: CDC Revisiting Guidance After Study Reveals New Safe Social DIstance For Students
Covid-19: CDC Revisiting Guidance After Study Reveals New Safe Social DIstance For Students With President Joe Biden pushing to have all students back in the classroom within his first 100 days in office, and no later than the fall, the Centers for Disease Control is evaluating its guidance on socially distancing inside schools. Currently, students are advised to stay at least six feet apart while wearing facial coverings, however, a new study found that the number could possibly be dropped to three feet of social distance while still maintaining the safety of students and staff. A study recently published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, looked at 242 school districts…
COVID-19: CT Restaurants May Return To Full Capacity, But It Comes Up With A Catch COVID-19: CT Restaurants May Return To Full Capacity, But It Comes Up With A Catch
Covid-19: CT Restaurants May Return To Full Capacity, But It Comes Up With A Catch Restaurants in Connecticut will soon be permitted to open up their businesses to full capacity, though certain COVID-19 restrictions will still be put in place, limiting restauranteurs. This week, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced that beginning on Friday, March 19, restaurants can open up to 100 percent capacity, up from the 50 percent they had been working through. However, while capacity is opening up wider, there will still be restrictions including social distance requirements, mandatory facial coverings, and cleaning protocols that will have to continue to be maintained, which co…
COVID-19: Police Break Up Large Party Near UConn Campus COVID-19: Police Break Up Large Party Near UConn Campus
Covid-19: Police Break Up Large Party Near UConn Campus State Police broke up a large party that was held overnight near the UConn campus in Storrs in violation of COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. Just before 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6, troopers responded to 160 Birch Road in Mansfield for a complaint of a large, loud party. Upon arrival, the troopers witnessed the disturbance and observed numerous college-aged students inside the residence. An estimated total of 150 to 200 students were observed, according to police.  The renters at this residence admitted to hosting the party, state police said.  No PPE, such as mask-wearing, or so…
COVID-19: Could A Return To Normalcy Be Near, Despite Concerns Over Variants? COVID-19: Could A Return To Normalcy Be Near, Despite Concerns Over Variants?
Covid-19: Could A Return To Normalcy Be Near, Despite Concerns Over Variants? As COVID-19 rates continue to decrease, many people are feeling cautiously optimistic that normal life will soon resume. A survey of 21 experts found that most of them believe the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, according to research by The New York Times. Americans may be able to get back to their pre-pandemic lives this summer. Unless … Researchers cautioned that people should not underestimate COVID-19.  Although signs are pointing to the end of the pandemic, a shift in the virus or how people respond to it could send infection and death rates to rising again. Fa…
COVID-19: Some Restrictions In CT Are Being Lifted; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By Community COVID-19: Some Restrictions In CT Are Being Lifted; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By Community
Covid-19: Some Restrictions In CT Are Being Lifted; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By Community Some COVID-19 restrictions in Connecticut are being lifted as the state and region continue recovering from the second wave of the virus’ surge. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Thursday, March 4 that in the coming weeks, the state will be easing certain restrictions, particularly those relating to capacity levels and travel restrictions. Lamont noted that while some restrictions are being eased, all of the protocols that relate to face coverings, social distancing, and cleaning measures are being maintained. Beginning on Friday, March 19, capacity limits will be eliminated for: …
COVID-19: Social Distance Rules For Students Far Shorter Than For Adults COVID-19: Social Distance Rules For Students Far Shorter Than For Adults
Covid-19: Social Distance Rules For Students Far Shorter Than For Adults The guidelines for social distancing at public schools recommend far less space between people than the 6 feet standard encouraged throughout much of the pandemic. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Massachusetts announced a plan to return all elementary school students to the classroom by April. When asked about COVID-19 safeguards for the schools, Commission of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley said that 3 feet of distance between students, staff, and faculty is the goal for public schools, though if they are able to distance further - up to 6 feet - all the better. …
COVID-19: Did You Already Have Virus, And Not Know It? Here Are The Signs COVID-19: Did You Already Have Virus, And Not Know It? Here Are The Signs
Covid-19: Did You Already Have Virus, And Not Know It? Here Are The Signs Not everyone who has caught COVID-19 knows it. But there are ways to tell if you got the novel virus sometime since the pandemic touched down in the U.S. during winter 2020. In many people, signs of “Long COVID-19" persist, according to a new study, “Long COVID: a cross-sectional study of persisting symptoms” led by Dr. Swapna Mandal, a respiratory physician, and a growing host of research. There’s only one true way to know if you had COVID-19 - get an antibody blood test to check for signs of COVID-19. However, there are a number of more informal ways to tell if you previously caught t…
COVID-19: Most Cases Transmitted By People Not Displaying Symptoms, New Study Reveals COVID-19: Most Cases Transmitted By People Not Displaying Symptoms, New Study Reveals
Covid-19: Most Cases Transmitted By People Not Displaying Symptoms, New Study Reveals Most COVID-19 cases are transmitted by people who do not exhibit symptoms, according to a new study by CDC researchers. The researchers, who used a mathematical approach to assess several scenarios, found that 59 percent of all infections came from asymptomatic transmission -- including those who are pre-symptomatic or never show any COVID symptoms. Most of those asymptomatic spreaders go on to become ill (35 percent), the researchers said, compared to 24 percent who never develop symptoms. "In addition to the identification and isolation of persons with symptomatic COVID-19, effective con…
COVID-19: New Study Reveals Danger To Younger Americans, Who Are Dying At Historic Rate COVID-19: New Study Reveals Danger To Younger Americans, Who Are Dying At Historic Rate
Covid-19: New Study Reveals Danger To Younger Americans, Who Are Dying At Historic Rate Contrary to popular belief, COVID-19 is taking its toll on younger Americans, who are dying at a historic rate, according to a new study. Research published this week in the Journal of American Medical Association found that Americans between the ages of 25 and 44 have died at a rate that has never been seen in history. During the study, a total of 76,088 deaths were reported in adults between those ages, which was 11,899 more than the expected 64,189 fatalities during that stretch. Of those deaths, 38 percent were contributed to COVID-19. “Although the remaining excess deaths are unexpla…
COVID-19: LA Fitness Location In Fairfield County Reopens After Being Ordered To Close COVID-19: LA Fitness Location In Fairfield County Reopens After Being Ordered To Close
Covid-19: LA Fitness Location In Fairfield County Reopens After Being Ordered To Close An LA Fitness location in Fairfield County that was ordered to close after the city's health department said the business had numerous violations under the state's COVID-19 rules, has reopened.  The Norwalk gym was allowed to reopen on Friday, Dec. 4, after submitting a reopening plan to the city, according to City of Norwalk spokesperson Josh Morgan "Following the closure order, LA Fitness submitted a reopening plan that addressed the concerns of the Health Department and Police Department," Morgan said. "They were then allowed to reopen on Dec. 4."  Related Story: CO…
COVID-19: LA Fitness Location In Fairfield County Ordered To Close Due To Violations COVID-19: LA Fitness Location In Fairfield County Ordered To Close Due To Violations
Covid-19: LA Fitness Location In Fairfield County Ordered To Close Due To Violations An LA Fitness location in Fairfield County was ordered to close after the city's health department said the business had numerous violations under the state's COVID-19 rules. The business, located in Norwalk, was closed on Tuesday, Dec. 1, after officials found that patrons were not wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, and having too many people inside at one time, said Norwalk Health Director Deanna D’Amore. "LA Fitness must submit a written COVID-19 safety plan that outlines how they will adhere to the Executive Orders signed by Governor Lamont and the sector r…
COVID-19: Video Shows 7,000-Person Secret, Maskless NYC Wedding In Violation Of State Order COVID-19: Video Shows 7,000-Person Secret, Maskless NYC Wedding In Violation Of State Order
Covid-19: Video Shows 7,000-Person Secret, Maskless NYC Wedding In Violation Of State Order New videos of thousands congregating to celebrate an Orthodox wedding in Brooklyn in violation of the state’s COVID-19 guidance has gone viral. Earlier story - COVID-19: Tip From Hudson Valley Leads To Shutdown Of Planned Wedding With 10,000 Guests Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling for a probe into a secret wedding that was hosted earlier this month at the Yetev Lev temple in Williamsburg with upwards of 7,000 people in attendance falling to social distance or wear facial coverings. The video that has been circulating among the media can be found here.  "If that happened, it was a bl…
COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Planning A Big Thanksgiving COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Planning A Big Thanksgiving
Covid-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Planning A Big Thanksgiving Nearly 40 percent of Americans are planning to eschew COVID-19 safety protocols and host large Thanksgiving celebrations, despite the new surge in cases, according to a new national survey. Despite the pandemic, 38 percent of respondents surveyed by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center said that they are planning a holiday gathering with more than 10 people, which is against the guidance of most health officials. The survey also found that 27 percent do not plan to socially distance, and a third said they are unlikely to ask guests to wear masks. Despite the severity of the virus…
COVID-19: Packed Fairfield County Restaurant Shut Down For Violations COVID-19: Packed Fairfield County Restaurant Shut Down For Violations
Covid-19: Packed Fairfield County Restaurant Shut Down For Violations Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont lambasted a Fairfield County restaurant after videos went viral on social media of party-goers packing the place over the weekend and failing to adhere to the state’s COVID-19 mandates. Videos that were posted of Ten20 in Bridgeport drew the ire of Lamont and other elected officials over the crowd and the failure to socially distance or wear face coverings. In response, Lamont took to Twitter to blast the restaurant and its owners for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 guidelines. “This is what we’re talking about when we mention establishments not obey…
COVID-19: Stamford Issues Advisory On Halloween Trick-Or-Treating COVID-19: Stamford Issues Advisory On Halloween Trick-Or-Treating
Covid-19: Stamford Issues Advisory On Halloween Trick-Or-Treating Officials from several Fairfield County cities and towns and cities have issued advisories for trick-or-treating on Halloween. In Stamford, Mayor David Martin announced the city is discouraging traditional Halloween trick-or-treating this year and advises residents to not participate in trick-or-treating of any kind with individuals outside your household. All variants of trick-or-treating often require contact with individuals from outside your household and therefore present a risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.  Like other communities across Connecticut, Stamford is seeing a tren…
COVID-19: Uptick In Northeast Cases 'Concerning,' Says Dr. Birx Of Coronavirus Task Force COVID-19: Uptick In Northeast Cases 'Concerning,' Says Dr. Birx Of Coronavirus Task Force
Covid-19: Uptick In Northeast Cases 'Concerning,' Says Dr. Birx Of Coronavirus Task Force One of the leaders of the White House’s Coronavirus Task Force is cautioning that the rise of recent COVID-19 cases in the Northeast is “concerning.” Dr. Deborah Birx said in Boston on Friday, Oct. 9 that she’s seen signs of a “silent spread” of COVID-19 in the Northeast, calling it concerning and commenting that people in the region take precautions to help curtail the spread of the virus. “We do see some of those early signs that we saw across the south after Memorial Day, a sense that there’s early, asymptomatic silent spread occurring in communities,” Brix said. Birx said that the spr…