Nearly 700 New Coronavirus Cases as Hospitalizations Decline in CT

The number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations fell slightly again on Monday.

There was a net decline of 17 hospitalizations, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.

The governor says the state has seen hospitalizations decline for nearly four weeks, far beyond the 14 days that is considered a guideline to consider reopening parts of the state's economy.

There were 697 new cases in Connecticut, bringing the total number of cases to 38,116. Another 41 people have died of COVID-related illnesses, bringing the state's death toll to 3,449.

In the past seven days, the state has tested 45,000 people for coronavirus. That surpasses the goal set a few weeks ago to test 42,000 per week, Gov. Lamont said.

Fewer than 10-percent of the test results announced Monday were positive for COVID-19.

The first phase of Connecticut's reopening is scheduled to begin on Wednesday with outdoor dining at restaurants, malls, and other select industries having a chance to reopen.

On Monday, Gov. Lamont reversed his decision to allow hair salons to reopen on May 20. That has been pushed back to early June.

In an executive order Monday, the governor also extended restrictions on large gatherings through June 20, as well as restrictions on off-track betting, indoor fitness, and movie theaters.

The order also restricted the opening of overnight camps until the civil preparedness and public health emergency is lifted, and restricts summer school programs from opening before July 6, unless otherwise announced by the governor.

You can find the latest information on Connecticut's reopening here.