Director of Health, Mark Cooper, has again reviewed the number of positive COVID19 cases being reported by the Connecticut State Department of Health as of 4pm this Monday, March 23, 2020. Out of the total confirmed laboratory cases of 415 in Connecticut, 270 were located in Fairfield County, 74 were from Westport and 4 from Weston. Eventually all of Connecticut’s municipalities will have cases. Although Fairfield County continues to have the majority of cases being reported, eventually, the number of new cases should stabilize and start to decline while other areas of the state may continue to increase. Being “hit” first, we may be first to see the virus start to slow its spread, so long as people self isolate and socially distance themselves from others. Only time will tell.
The number of positive cases will continue to increase as more tests are being conducted by an increasing number of testing sites. One bit of good news is that in the coming weeks, a more rapid test will become available reducing the time between sample collection and getting the results.
Of those with confirmed cases in Connecticut, it is interesting to note that although no age group is spared, the 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 age groups have the highest number of laboratory confirmed COVID19 cases. The 60 to 69 and over 80 age groups make up the majority of those being hospitalized.
To best protect yourself and loved ones, assume the virus is everywhere and avoid touching your face before washing your hands.
For a more detailed look at how COVID19 is spreading across the state, click on this link:
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/CTDPHCOVID19summary3232020.pdf?la=en
There Are Many Testing Options Available
Working closely with Town Officials, WWHD has arranged for additional community testing at the Bedford Middle School, 88 North Avenue, Westport. Residents of Westport and Weston only can be tested by Murphy Medical Associates, a private company, on the following dates/times: This testing is not free – insurance may cover the cost depending on each individual’s coverage.
Tuesday, March 24, 2000* 8:30AM – 12:00PM
Tuesday, March 31, 2020* 8:30AM – 12:00PM
Tuesday, April 7, 2020* 8:30AM – 12:00PM
***These will be a drive through testing site and everyone must stay in their cars with the windows closed until asked to lower them. Pre-registration is required and those seeking testing must meet CDC screening requirements to be tested.
Visit www.coronatestct.com or call 203-658-6051 to learn more about the testing, costs and/or to begin the screening and registration process.
No one is required to go to any one particular site; everyone is free to choose where to be tested. There are also other testing opportunities around the state. Some are listed below. People can learn more about each site’s screening process, costs, location and dates of testing by calling the associated call center or hotline telephone number below.
- Yale New Haven Health system COVID-19 Call Center 1-833-275-9644
• Hartford Health Care hotline 1-833-621-0600
• Stamford Health COVID hotline 1-203-276-4111
• Connecticut Children’s Hospital 1-833-226-2362
• DOCS Urgent Care https://docsmedicalgroup.com/telemedicine/