‘Substantial’ COVID-19 Transmission Reported In 3 Counties In CT

CONNECTICUT — As the delta coronavirus variant continues to spread through Connecticut, three counties in the state have been designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as areas with “substantial” community transmission.

Hartford, New Haven and New London counties moved into the category of “substantial transmission” per the CDC classification system as of Thursday, according to health officials.

The CDC released new guidance this week that all people over the age of 2— whether vaccinated or unvaccinated — in counties with substantial transmission of COVID-19 should wear masks in public indoor spaces.

“The Connecticut Department of Public Health strongly recommends that individuals who live in, work in, or are visiting towns located in Hartford, New Haven or New London County follow this recommendation,” Deidre S. Gifford, acting Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner, said in a statement. “In addition, residents across our entire state who have underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk for complications of COVID, or residents who live with high risk or unvaccinated individuals should also consider wearing masks in indoor public spaces. This includes vaccinated family members who live with young children who are not yet eligible for vaccination.”

Gifford said Lamont’s Executive Order 12 remains in effect, which requires all individuals who have not been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when indoors and unable to maintain adequate distance from others.

“Emerging science indicates that with the Delta variant in circulation, in some cases vaccinated individuals may become infected with and subsequently transmit COVID infection to others,” Gifford said. “The risk of contracting and transmitting COVID infection is far greater for the unvaccinated, and vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your community from COVID. The vaccines are readily available at hundreds of locations across Connecticut and everyone who is eligible should consider receiving the vaccine if they have not done so, already.”

See also:

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Connecticut’s COVID-19 test positivity rate was 2.35 percent Thursday, down from 2.67 percent the day before, according to Lamont. Out of 14,401 tests administered, 339 came back as positive for the virus.

There are 112 people currently hospitalized with the virus, an increase of nine, and there have been seven COVID-19-related deaths since last Thursday.