Hospitalizations linked to coronavirus continued to decline Sunday, a sign that social distancing and other measures put in place to slow the outbreak of COVID-19 have been effective as the state prepares to continue reopening businesses this week.
A total of 481 total patients in the state remain hospitalized due to the virus, a decline of 52 from the previous day. There were 32 additional deaths due to the virus, however, as the state reached 3,944 in total. A total of 1,277 of those deaths have happened in Fairfield County, while 1,250 have been in Hartford County.
Many of the deaths in recent weeks due to COVID-19 have been in long-term care facilities. In the week of May 20-27, 208 people died in nursing homes and 21 in assisted living facilities.
At least 42,200 people have tested positive for the coronavirus since the initial outbreak. While the state reported there was an increase of 179 since Saturday, a technological issue led to having incomplete daily data, which is expected to be corrected Monday. There was an issue with the data of tests reported as well, although the state has now crossed the 250,000 threshold.
A number of Connecticut state parks had their parking lots closed due to a high volume of traffic Sunday as the stretch of pleasant weather continued through the weekend.
At least eight state parks were not accepting additional visitors by vehicle as of noon, including Sleeping Giant in Hamden, Rocky Neck in East Lyme, Talcott Mountain in Simsbury and Penwood State Park in Bloomfield according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Others closed are Wadsworth Falls in Middletown, Lovers Leap in New Milford, Southford Falls in Southbury and C.O. Huntington in Newtown, Bethel, and Redding.
The department has resorted to closing down parking lots during the coronavirus pandemic in an effort to ensure social distancing and limit overcrowding.
With a continued downward trend in hospitalizations due to COVID-19, Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday signed an order allowing outside gatherings of up to 25 people and 10 people inside homes. Lamont also announced new guidelines for houses of worship Friday that call for 25% capacity or 100, whichever is fewer, or up to 125 people for outdoor services. The Hartford Archdiocese announced earlier in the week it plans to resume in-person services Monday, June 8.
Barbershops, salons, casinos to open
The state’s barbers and beauticians will open Monday. Originally set to open May 20 as part of the state’s Phase One reopening, they were ordered to remain closed by Gov. Lamont on May 18 after receiving feedback from groups of owners and employees.
When doors open Monday, services will be by appointment only, waiting areas closed, chairs six feet apart and various sanitizing protocols in effect. Customers will have to wear masks while in the building.
Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, sovereign land, will reopen their casinos on Monday, the first in the region to do so, despite Lamont’s concerns. They conducted “soft opens,” by invitation only, over the weekend to test and practice health safety protocols in place, such as thermal scans as patrons walk in, plexiglass shields and frequent sanitation of surfaces. The two casinos have coordinated their efforts, and will limit capacity and keep most restaurants closed, or limited to take-out only.
UHart announces fall semester plans
University of Hartford President Gregory Woodward announced in a letter to faculty and students that classes will begin on Aug. 26. Online instruction may be utilized during the first week to allow for continued move-in and the administration of state-required COVID-19 testing of all students upon their return.
In-person classes will be held on Labor Day and will conclude on Nov. 24. When students depart for Thanksgiving break, they will not return to campus until Jan. 17, Woodward said. From Nov. 30–Dec. 15, there will be online classes, review sessions, office hours with final exams completed remotely.
Dom Amore can be reached at damore@courant.com
