Here’s the latest on the coronavirus outbreak in the region:
A member of Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s security team and his mental health commissioner, Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, have tested positive for coronavirus. They are quarantined at home and report mild symptoms.
Lamont remains in self-quarantine at home, following an announcement last week that his spokesperson was infected.
New York City school buildings will shut down starting November 19 as COVID-19 cases rise across the state.
Pzifer said its vaccine is 95% effective and is within days of asking the FDA for vaccine authorization. Nearly 200 researchers are working on the project at Pzifer’s laboratory in Groton, Connecticut.
On Long Island, the 7-day positive test rate is 3.23%. The rest of New York is at 2.88%. The 7-day positive COVID-19 test rate in Connecticut is 5.5%, according to data released by the state on Tuesday.
Officials have added Vermont to a travel advisory for people entering Connecticut from states with high-infection rates. Travelers from 46 states and two territories have to quarantine for 14 days or show a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival.
New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island qualify, but are excluded from these rules.
Connecticut cities and towns are distancing themselves from a medical group that set up coronavirus testing sites across the state. The New York Times reports that patients complained of hefty charges from the tests of Murphy Medical Associates, based in Greenwich. The group defends its billing practices. The State Attorney’s office is investigating.