HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Connecticut's daily COVID-19 test positivity rate reached 3.35% Wednesday following a slow and steady climb since late May when the rate was under 1%.
State officials reported that 537 tests returned positive out of 16,037 Wednesday, bringing up the state's total to 356,701 COVID-19 positive cases.
Officials also reported a total of 163 COVID-related hospitalizations statewide, which is down by two hospitalizations from Tuesday.
With all eight of Connecticut's counties now with substantial transmission rates, according to the CDC, Governor Ned Lamont and the State Department of Public Health is urging residents to take precautions by wearing face masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, and by getting vaccinated.
In a statement, Public Health officials and the governor's office shared concerns about COVID-19 outbreaks that have happened in Connecticut this summer.
According to state officials, a birthday party in June led to 16 COVID-19 cases out of about 50 guests.
"Unvaccinated attendees at this party were four times as likely to test positive than those who were vaccinated, with a total of six cases among 33 fully or partially vaccinated attendees and 10 cases among 13 unvaccinated attendees," officials said in the statement.
Four of those cases resulted in hospitalizations, officials said.
Public health officials remind residents that social gatherings with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated should be held outdoors, and any gatherings held indoors should be with guests wearing face masks.
Officials are also encouraging residents at high risk for COVID-19 complications to avoid large indoor gatherings that may have vaccinated and unvaccinated attendees.
Visit Connecticut's COVID-19 portal for additional information on virus data, vaccinations and other updates.