There are more than 1,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Connecticut as the number of coronavirus-linked deaths approaches 5,000 and the state conducts tens of thousands of tests for the virus each day.
The state on Friday reported 3,429 newly identified COVID-19 cases out of 71,327 administered tests, putting the positivity rate at 4.81% for Wednesday and Thursday. This is a decline from the 6% positivity rate earlier in the week.
Hospitalizations increased by 49 on Friday. There are currently more than 1,017 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Connecticut. Connecticut has not reported such a high number of hospitalizations since May.
The state also reported an additional 35 coronavirus-linked deaths on Friday. There have been 264,163 deaths linked to the coronavirus as of Friday afternoon, according the the Coronavirus Research Center at Johns Hopkins University.
Young adults have most cases, but elderly have highest infection rate
State data shows that young adults ages 20-29 have so far had the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases at 17,905. There have been four confirmed coronavirus-related deaths in that age group.
Many of the cases are coming from clusters at universities, which have seen entire dorms locked down and put into quarantine after outbreaks.
The highest rate of cases remains with those 80 and over with a total case rate of 5.54%. They also currently have the highest number of confirmed deaths at 2,301.
The coronavirus killed thousands of residents in nursing homes earlier this year, accounting for many of the deaths. But as the state prepares for a second COVID-19 wave, the infection is no longer just concentrated in nursing homes.
Officials warn of fake testing sites
Gov. Ned Lamont said in a press release Friday that residents should be on the lookout for scam artists, including when searching for coronavirus testing sites.
According to the governor’s office, there have been reports of fake pop-ups claiming to work with organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most recently, local health officials investigated an unlicensed pop-up site in Bridgeport that operated under two different names.
“It’s troubling that scam artists would try to capitalize on [our robust testing program], but I know our municipalities — with our support — will continue to act quickly to stop these bad actors,” Lamont said.
A licensed, state-approved pop-up site will never ask for a social security number, financial information or cash to get a test for COVID-19.
Residents can verify the legitimacy of a coronavirus testing site by going to www.211ct.org and clicking the banner at the top of the page, or by calling 2-1-1. Providers like local health clinics, hospitals and pharmacies should also have their testing sites listed online.
Kristina Vakhman can be reached at kvakhman@courant.com.
