HARTFORD, C.T. (1010 WINS) -- Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday reported 648 new positive COVID-19 cases and 77 new deaths, hours after announcing that schools would remain closed for the rest of the academic year.
A total of 30,621 people in the state have now tested positive for the virus, and 2,633 people have died, Lamont said during his daily briefing.
Hospitalizations jumped by 36 between Monday and Tuesday, to 1,500, according to Lamont.
"Remember, we've had a good downward trend — I think it was eight days. One day is not something really to focus on but it's just to keep in mind that this is by no means behind us," he said.
Connecticut still aims to start reopening in phases on May 20, Lamont said, but noted the state is "looking at the facts on the ground every day (to) make sure what we're doing is safe for you."
Earlier on Tuesday, Lamont announced that schools would stay closed for the remainder of the academic year. "Given the circumstances this is the best course of action for the safety of students, educators and staff," he tweeted.
On Monday, a few dozen Connecticut residents in cars drove around the governor's residence rallying for the state to reopen and shouting, "Give me liberty or give me death," Lamont said during Tuesday's briefing.
"Everybody was polite, and socially distanced. I appreciate (it). But I was thinking, 'Give me liberty or give me death,' I mean… we could all be libertarians, and you should be free to be dumb if you want to, but not if it endangers others," he said.
"And that's what is so deadly about COVID, that you're not just endangering yourself, but by being lax and not taking the social distancing seriously, (it) endangers everybody else," he added.
