Coronavirus Update- Change in Method of Reporting Testing, Child Care Assistance & Case Data

April 27th – Today CT DPH changed the way they report a key data point, testing.  Previously, the daily report included the number of patients tested.  As of today, they are no longer reporting the number of patients tested, instead they are reporting the number of tests administered.  Therefore, if a patient had more than one test, a requirement for two negatives isn’t unusual, or more than one specimen was taken at the time of the test, each is counted individually.  Unfortunately, that makes the information less useful. 

One of the barometers to assess adequacy of the level of testing being performed is the percentage of the population tested, which is why I calculate and present that number in each nightly update.  The information to perform that calculation is no longer available as of today, as it was removed from the report. 

They could have simply left the information in the report and added the new line item for tests administered.  In the morning, I’ll be asking for the information to be returned to their reporting. 

Declines in hospitalizations continued for the sixth day in a row, both statewide and in Fairfield County.  Hospitalizations are down by 8, both statewide and in Fairfield County. 

Today, CT DPH reports 25,997 laboratory-confirmed statewide cases with 10,763 or 41% in Fairfield County and no change at 144 in Wilton.  484 cases have not yet been assigned to a municipality. Wilton’s low growth in cases over the weekend was the lowest of the surrounding communities that I am tracking.  There were 536 new cases in Fairfield County over the weekend, versus a 344 case increase last Thursday and Friday.  Reasons to continue to behave as if you have the virus and as if those around you do as well.

The test positive rate is no longer available. The percentage of the State’s population tested is no longer available.  Deaths passed 2,000 rising to 2,012, with Fairfield County at 727.  The number of patients currently hospitalized decreased by 8 to 1,758 with the same decrease of 8 in Fairfield County to 627.    

The Governor announced the CTCARES for Frontline Workers Program, which helps frontline workers with the costs of child care by providing subsidies directly to child care providers.

Today the Governor did not issue an executive order.

As always, if you have any questions, please email the appropriate town department or me at lynne.vanderslice@wiltonct.org

Thank you,

Lynne Vanderslice

First Selectwoman

What should you do to stop the spread?

  • Stay home.
  • Maintain a distance of 6 feet between you and another person.  This standard applies whether inside or outside.  
  • Wear a mask when in public.
  • Respect the Governor’s prohibition on social or recreational gatherings of more than 5 people, including leisure gatherings.
  • Consolidate your shopping and errands to minimize the numbers of days you must leave your home.  If the store parking lot is more than half full, return home and shop at another time.
  • Take advantage of the delivery options offered by many Wilton businesses.
  • Practice your team sport on your own, not with your teammates.  The internet is full of videos and suggestions on how to do this. 
  • Do walk outside. If your street is walkable, please consider walking there rather than a public trail. When the NRVT parking lot, or that of another trail, is more than 50% full, please find another place to walk.  There are 127 miles of town-owned roads, more than 80 private roads and more than 3 miles of sidewalk on state-owned roads.
  • Please respect the town’s closure of fields and recreation facilities.  

Visual of Connecticut Cases by Town