With Connecticut's COVID-19 test positivity rate at 2.41%, Gov. Ned Lamont said Thursday he is hopeful that things may be stabilizing and put out another call for young people to get vaccinated now that they are eligible.
There were 42,067 new tests reported Thursday, with 1,012 coming back positive. There are 515 people currently hospitalized with the virus, a net increase of one from the day before. Five new deaths were reported, bringing the death toll to 7,940.
Watching COVID-19 Hotspots
The state is watching several hotspots, including several towns in the valley. A large focus is on Waterbury, where the state plans to send mobile vaccination clinics to help fight the spread of the virus.
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The state identified the following cities and towns as current hotspots:
- Waterbury
- Bethlehem
- New Milford
- Wolcott
- Brookfield
- Derby
- Union
- Seymour
- Watertown
- Naugatuck
- Torrington
- Thomaston
- Haddam
COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Continues
The state reported Thursday that 49% of all adults have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The breakdown of who has received at least one dose is as follows:
- 82% of 65+
- 69% 55-64
- 51% 45-54
- 23% 16-44
Lamont said at this point, public health officials are largely concerned about the risk of infection for the 20-29 age group and encouraged young people to get vaccinated.
Ed Ford Jr., a Middletown councilman who previously had COVID-19, detailed his experience as he asked younger people to get the vaccine.
"I had a fever of 103 degrees, I lost my taste and smell for three weeks. It was not fun. So it was definitely a point for me to go get vaccinated I got my vaccine, two days ago and today I feel great. I feel better than ever," Ford said.
One snag in the plan to vaccinate younger groups is Connecticut’s upcoming supply of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is plummeting because of production problems.
If you want a COVID vaccine and need some helping getting an appointment, we have some tips here.
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