Summary for most recent day of reporting in Connecticut
Day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week. All data in this report are preliminary; data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected. Hospitalization data were collected by the Connecticut Hospital Association. Deaths* reported to either the OCME or DPH are included in the daily COVID-19 update.*For public health surveillance, COVID-19-associated deaths include persons who tested positive for COVID-19 around the time of death (confirmed) and persons whose death certificate lists COVID-19 disease as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death (probable).
| Category Text | Total | Change Direction | Change |
| Laboratory Confirmed COVID-19 Cases | 34,333 | + | 568 |
| COVID-19 Associated Deaths | 3,041 | + | 33 |
| Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19 | 1,189 | – | 23 |
| Patients Tested for COVID-19 | 138,424 | + | 5,916 |
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
Total Reported
To Date Change from
Yesterday
Local Results
Westport Residents COVID-19 Positive Reported to the State 263 + 2
Weston Residents COVID-19 Positive Reported to the State 63 + 0
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/CTDPHCOVID19summary5122020.pdf?la=en
Reopening Plans
The WWHD continues to work closely with town officials, State leaders and other public health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public officials at every level have been working together to coordinate our response to this public health threat. Mark Cooper, Director of Health, is a member of the Town of Westport’s Reopening Task Force. He and many Directors of Health from across the state recognize that many business owners, employees, and the general public have concerns about the phased-in reopening of businesses in Connecticut. Phase 1 will begin on May 20th.
The Health District has received a number of calls and emails from residents looking for guidance and clarity on opening and operating safely. Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development has issued sector-specific guidelines. Their stated goal is to proactively protect public health and speed up the pace of economic, educational, and community recovery while restoring Connecticut’s quality of life. Please note that all businesses subject to these guidelines will be required to self certify prior to opening May 20th. The DECD expects that the certification system will be online this week.
As communities across our state plan for reopening, it is important that we strike a sensible balance and mitigate the risk as much as possible. Reopening calls for a nuanced approach that balances public health concerns with economic imperatives. Getting back to business must be done as safely and securely as possible. This includes the need to protect our fellow residents who are the most vulnerable and at highest risk. There are several ways to reduce the health risks associated with a gradual return to normal economic activity: Continued shelter-in-place for the most vulnerable, stagger work shifts, if possible, for essential workers, and take safety precautions, such as wearing masks in public and frequent hand washing.
The Health District urges business owners/managers to follow the guidelines outlined by the State of Connecticut. The virus will continue to pose a threat, particularly to the elderly and those with other health conditions like diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart conditions. Risk still exists so we need to be sensible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines preventive recommendations and has a wealth of resources, videos, posters, signage, etc that business owners/managers can reference. Visit the website below.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
It has been gratifying to witness the level of commitment and generosity in Westport and Weston. Neighbors have stepped up, reaching out to those impacted by the disease and the home-bound. As a community, we stayed home as much as possible and understood that sacrifice was necessary. Efforts have paid off with fewer hospitalizations and a much lower infection rate that other communities. But now is not the time to stop keeping our social distancing. Public health experts acknowledge that the risk of returning to work and eventually to school will not fall to zero for a while, if ever. Still, there are ways to reduce health risks associated with a gradual return to economic activity. The availability of testing is also a key component of the gradual reopening strategy. Testing is, and must continue to be, accessible. The Health District recommends that concerned individuals seek testing at any of the sites set up around the state. By working together in a deliberate, thoughtful manner we can restore balance and reopen our communities.