Connecticut's COVID-19 numbers are climbing as thousands of families prepare to get together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday 2,000 new coronavirus cases confirmed over the weekend, pushing the daily positivity rate to 3.5%. Hospitalizations also increased by 21 patients, to 268 statewide - 92 of those are in New Haven County.

Lamont spoke about his hopes for flattening the curve with a steep holiday surge predicted. He says he believes the booster shot will help lower Connecticut's positivity rate.

Lamont says the prospect of being able to enjoy the holidays safely amid a seasonal surge will be the main motivator and does not expect to see booster shots become the new standard for situations such as travel or work that require people be fully vaccinated.

"At this point when it comes to boosters, I don't have any plans for any mandates. I would like to think over the next 30, 60 days we are going to see real progress with Connecticut folks doing the right thing, stepping up, getting their booster, making sure their child gets their vaccination," Lamont said.

Health officials say that drier weather and more time indoors will inevitibly lead to more COVID cases, however they are encouraged by the fact that hospitalization rates remain low, adding that is the factor they are keeping their eye on when it comes to revisiting any sort of mandates or restrictions.