'Preparing for the surge': 1,291 COVID-19 cases, 27 deaths in the state, Lamont says

Gov. Ned Lamont says there are 1,291 positive COVID-19 cases in the state of Connecticut.

News 12 Staff

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Mar 15, 2020, 1:45 PM

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Updated 1,496 days ago

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Gov. Ned Lamont announced 279 new cases of COVID-19 during a news conference on Friday, saying that it was “the biggest number we have had in a while.”

In total, there are at least 1,291 positive cases in the state. There are 173 hospitalized patients and 27 deaths, as of Friday afternoon.

MORE: LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond

The governor applauded those who have pitched in to fight the spread of COVID-19 through donated medical equipment.

"Keep it going. That's the one thing I can count on, the people in the state of Connecticut," he said.

Anyone who would like to donate can do so by calling 211 or visiting CTResponds.

Gov. Lamont also said that the emergency loan program for small businesses has been put on pause for new applicants. He says the $25 million program could soon become $50 million to accommodate more people.

Notes on his news conference are below:

Gov. Ned Lamont says there are 1,291 positive COVID-19 cases in the state of Connecticut.
There have been 1,900 tests in the past 24 hours. Of those tests, 279 came back positive.
Lamont: "It's the biggest number we have had in a while, but the lowest percentage." He says 15% of the tests were positive.
There have been 173 hospitalizations and 27 total deaths in the state.
Gov. Lamont says "a lot of protective equipment" that was scheduled to arrive in the state has been pushed back until next week. More surgical gowns have been pushed until next month.
Lamont on donated medical equipment to those on the front lines: "Keep it going. That's the one thing I can count on, the people in the state of Connecticut."
Gov. Lamont calls on more people to volunteer and help their neighbors. Urges anyone will to help to call 211 or visit CTResponds.
Gov. Lamont says the emergency loan program for small businesses has been put on pause for new applicants. He says the $25 million program could soon become $50 million to accommodate more people.

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