Conn. reports highest COVID infection rate since widespread testing began: Lamont

HARTFORD, CT (1010 WINS) -- Connecticut's COVID-19 infection rate surpassed 8.6 percent on Monday, marking the highest rate the state has recorded since it launched widespread testing, Gov. Ned Lamont said Tuesday.

Of the 27,918 COVID-19 test results that came back in the state on Monday, 2,414, or 8.65 percent, were positive, Lamont said.

"Our infection rate went from 4.6 to 6.6 to 8.6 percent today," he said at a virtual roundtable with a group of mental health care providers. "Eight point six of the people we've tested tested positive, which is by far the highest number that we have had since we've done broad-based testing."

"We knew that Thanksgiving may result in a bit of a spike in our infections, and here we are, two weeks later," he added.

As of Monday night, 1,223 people in the state were hospitalized with COVID-19, a 40 increase from Sunday night, he said. Connecticut also reported 18 new COVID-19-related fatalities, pushing its death toll to 5,242.

"Believe me, I don't say that to depress you," Lamont said. "It's the reality we live in, and it's why what you're doing is... important."

With many people sequestered alone in their homes amid a nationwide spike in COVID-19 cases, the governor urged Connecticut residents to keep checking in with relatives, friends and acquaintances.

"We… know that holiday seasons can be a source of joy, [but] also a source of incredible isolation for people, as we look at those happy scenes on TV and wonder, 'Why am I alone?'" Lamont said.

"This is a really important time to reach out," he added. "You know somebody who's been living alone for a while, give them a call."