Here’s the latest on the coronavirus outbreak in the region:
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says another coronavirus-related shutdown is possible, but not inevitable. He said the state will continue to shutdown hotspots with high infection rates, instead of the whole state or individual county.
Long Island and Westchester County have COVID-19 positive rates around 1 percent. COVID-19 hospitalizations are up nearly 73 percent since late September in New York.
In Connecticut, the latest reports show a 1.5 percent infection rate with several clusters worsening in New London.
New London Mayor Michael Passero does not plan to keep his city from entering phase 3 of reopening with the rest of the state. That’s despite an uptick in COVID-19 cases since late September.
Governor Ned Lamont said he’ll announce a plan that will allow local governments to use discretion before advancing with the state’s reopening plans. Last week, the state increased capacity at indoor restaurants and outdoor venues.
Passero saidthe outbreak in New London is community spread, and cautions residents against large gatherings with friends and family.
Lamont urged residents of New London to get tested Monday.
“People know that if they are not feeling at all right, even if they just want to come and get tested, come get tested," said Lamont at a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site that opened at Community Health Center of New London. "The line is short right here. And we need you to do that and be careful.”
Another COVID-19 drive-through test site has moved from Backus Hospital to Dodd Stadium in Norwich to increase testing capacity and ease congestion near the hospital.
Trinity College has extended its suspension of in-person classes to Friday after coronavirus cases skyrocket in Hartford.