Between Friday, March 6, 2020 and Saturday, 7 March 2020 officials were alerted to the first cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) connected to the State of Connecticut. In the first case a hospital employee who works at both Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed to an infected person in Westchester County, New York where the employee resides. In the second case a doctor, associated with Bridgeport Hospital, has also tested positive for COVID-19. Similar to the first case, the doctor also resides in New York. Hospital officials in all locations are identifying persons exposed and taking appropriate actions.
The appearance of COVID-19 in Connecticut was not unexpected and there is no reason for panic. All local officials including but not limited to First Selectman Jeff Manville, Deputy Emergency Management Director Scott Furr, Pomperaug District Department of Health Director Neil Lustig and Regional School District 15 Superintendent Josh Smith are in communication with each other and are following the recommendations of both State and Federal authorities.
Now is the time to practice proper health hygiene and follow the recommended guidelines:
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap / water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with persons who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick yourself
- Do not send sick children to school
- Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose or mouth
- Frequently disinfect common household items such as countertops, door knobs, phones etc.
- If you become sick, call your physician’s office first before going to their office.
Should you have additional questions or concerns, you can call the State of Connecticut 2-1-1 info line or go to the following websites: