Gov. Ned Lamont and state health experts believe that the novel strain of coronavirus that's killed thousands in mainland China will reach Connecticut to some degree.
While the state currently has no confirmed cases, officials are preparing as if the virus is certain to land here, and they're planning a robust program to try to contain its spread and to mitigate the damage.
The new virus is much more deadly than the common flu (killing roughly 2% of infected patients), but also far less common.
Still, Connecticut State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Cartter of Yale says there are similarities between the viruses. Patients infected with coronavirus demonstrate flu-like symptoms. He also says both viruses are impossible to completely wipe out.
"It's really hard to stop a respiratory virus," says Cartter." If we knew how to do that, we could prevent influenza every year, which we don't know how to do."
Dr. Cartter also warns of premature claims, such as one made recently by President Donald Trump, that a vaccine is on the way, and soon.
Cartter says, "A vaccine is at least a year away. So, the focus will be on, when it does arrive and if we have sustained community transition, we need to be prepared to take care of the people who get sick."
Gov. Lamont says that the state government is coordinating with city and town officials, hospitals, school systems and colleges to ensure an efficient response.
"Connecticut is ready," he says, "and we've been ready for a while."
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