Summary for most recent day of reporting in Connecticut
| Category Text | Total | Change Direction | Change |
| Laboratory Confirmed COVID-19 Cases | 25,269 | + | 687* |
| COVID-19 Associated Deaths | 1,924 | + | 62 |
| Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19 | 1,766 | – | 44 |
| Patients Tested for COVID-19 | 79,811 | + | 2,209 |
Charts represent the date the data were reported to the CT DPH. Cases and deaths are cumulative over time. Hospitalization data are collected by CT Hospital Association
Source: Department of Public Health Created with Datawrapper
Total Reported
To Date Change from
Local Results yesterday
Westport Residents COVID-19 Positive Reported to the State 230 + 0*
Weston Residents COVID-19 Positive Reported to the State 60 + 1*
*The State Department of Public Health has been making changes to their Corona virus data collection systems. The recent fluctuation in case reports are in part a result of capturing data it was not properly receiving from some private labs and standardization of case definition.
A complete listing by town and county of all COVID-19 cases being reported by the Connecticut State Department of Health, and various analyses of those cases, can be found by following this link:
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/CTDPHCOVID19summary4262020.pdf?la=enThe
COVID-19 Testing
The Health District has suspended testing at Bedford Middle School while new more efficient and rapid result testing methodologies are evaluated and acquired. Once rapid test kids are available Health District staff will offer such testing to those who may need it to establish whether they are COVID-19 positive or negative. In the mean time, testing is still available at the following locations: http://wwhd.org/coivd-19-testing-sites/
Antibody Testing
An antibody test is a way scientists and medical professionals can identify if a person has had an infection. An antibody test result can not differentiate if a person is actively sick nor can it determine if a person is contagious. These tests have great potential for healthcare workers when utilized appropriately. Multiple companies have been working tirelessly to produce antibody testing, some testing methods being more accurate than others. Increased antibody testing availably, as well as test result inconsistency, may be due to the Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) relaxation of normal assessment criteria. As time continues, these tests will become more abundant and reliable.
Some National laboratory companies have recently started rolling our antibody testing. If someone has a positive or negative antibody test result it should not change how individuals follow the CDC recommendations. A positive antibody test has not been proven as evidence of protection from getting Covid-19 at this time.
Some antibody testing Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Used for convalescent plasma donation research
- Verify if vaccines are working for vaccine clinical trials
- Contact tracing support
- Help identify the volume of asymptomatic cases
Cons:
- May be a false positive triggered by other corona viruses (such as a common cold)
- Does not detect active infections
- Still not enough evidence that positive antibodies prevent against future infections
The Health District’s Community clinic office has been receiving numerous phone calls requesting antibody testing. Currently, we do not offer antibody testing. Many primary care providers and medical specialists may order an antibody test, when appropriate, using a laboratory by sending a prescription. The laboratory that your provider uses must be equipped to perform SARS-CoV2 (Covid-19) antibody testing. We advise that those with interest in being tested for Covid-19 antibodies to discuss need, risks, and availability with their health care providers.
Clinic staff is constantly monitoring the usefulness of all available testing and working with local hospital systems and national laboratories. For those that have recovered from Covid-19, you can donate your plasma to support research that may help current Covid-19 patients by visiting this site: https://veoci.com/veoci/p/form/d9keubfc4gca#tab=entryForm.
Plasma donation research is being conducted by Nuvance Health (Norwalk and Danbury Hospitals) and they obtain antibody testing for patients that qualify to donate.
Louis D’Onofrio, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, PCCN, Director of Clinical Care
Westport Weston Health District