Lamont: Employee at Danbury Hospital, Norwalk Hospital tests positive for coronavirus

The employee is a resident of New York state, according to Lamont.

News 12 Staff

Mar 6, 2020, 11:25 PM

Updated 1,504 days ago

Share:

Gov. Ned Lamont says an employee of Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital has tested positive for coronavirus.
The employee is a resident of Westchester County in New York and is self-quarantined at home there, according to Lamont. He added that the person worked in an "isolated geographic part" of the hospital.
"This individual was exposed to the virus while in their home community of Westchester County by another individual who has tested positive, and then the individual worked shifts at both hospitals," Lamont said in a statement. "The hospital employee is currently at their home, where they are in isolation and recovering."
undefined
The governor says both Norwalk Hospital and Danbury Hospital are under “strict surveillance.” 
 “We have been expecting exposure of this virus in Connecticut for several weeks, so its presence should not surprise anybody," Lamont's statement continued. "This is no cause for panic or anxiety as our public health officials and medical experts have been making every effort to put every precaution possible in place."
State Department of Health Commissioner Renee D. Coleman-Mitchell said that 42 specimens had been tested at the state lab as of Friday. Another 12 more are awaiting testing.
"We've got this," said Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. "It’s going to be unnerving, it's disruptive, it's scary ... but at the end of the day, we’re going to be OK if we work together, we follow the protocols that are put in place and we make sure that we communicate across all lines, including state borders."
The news comes as federal, state and local officials continue to ramp up efforts to prepare for coronavirus. State lawmakers met in Hartford today to draw up an action plan for Connecticut schools, hospitals and businesses. Their top priority is asking the CDC for more testing kits. The state's hospitals are also preparing to conduct their own tests without having to wait on the state lab in Rocky Hill.
PHOTOS: The impact of coronavirus around the world:
undefined
News 12 will host a 30-minute call-in show Monday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. where experts will answer your questions about the coronavirus. The show will be followed by a special Facebook Live Q&A.


More from News 12
2:27
17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

2:02
On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

2:17
Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

0:22
NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

1:58
Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

2:05
Monroe police they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

Monroe police they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

0:50
'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

0:24
Officials: Firefighter and occupant injured in Norwalk house fire

Officials: Firefighter and occupant injured in Norwalk house fire

0:29
Bills on magic mushrooms, ride-share transparency and 'nip' bottles will not become law

Bills on magic mushrooms, ride-share transparency and 'nip' bottles will not become law

0:58
Ellen Ash Peters dies at 94, was 1st woman to serve as chief justice of CT Supreme Court

Ellen Ash Peters dies at 94, was 1st woman to serve as chief justice of CT Supreme Court

3:30
Explore the classic old New England-feel in the town of Chester

Explore the classic old New England-feel in the town of Chester

2:15
Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

0:24
Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

0:29
Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

2:33
Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys

Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys

2:11
Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

0:21
Criminal prosecutors take over Bridgeport’s ballot fraud cases

Criminal prosecutors take over Bridgeport’s ballot fraud cases