Gov. Ned Lamont announced that a fourth Connecticut resident has died from the coronavirus.

All of the deceased victims have been from Fairfield County. The governor also announced during a news conference Friday afternoon 35 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state's total to 194.

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

He says there are 40 patients currently hospitalized. The increase in cases is a reflection of more testing, Gov. Lamont said. More than 1,000 are being tested daily in the state.

The governor also signed the "Stay Safe, Stay at Home" executive order, which he hopes will aid in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

 

He says anyone over 70 years old should avoid gatherings and urged anyone who can telecommute to do so.

"Don't open your retail store unless you are involved in some essential service like food, grocery stores, health care, pharmacies... I want to see all the rest of those non-essential services closed for at least a few weeks or for the foreseeable future," the governor said.

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER - Cases in the tri-state area
TESTING SITES: A list of coronavirus testing sites in the tri-state area

Gov. Lamont said the state got a "small allocation" of protective gear for medical workers and is distributing those. He also asked for businesses that have extra masks or equipment to donate them.

The governor says he is working with the state Legislature to put together "a very low cost bridge loan" to help small business owners carry through. He says he also looking at federal plans that could help business owners as well.

PHOTOS: The impact of coronavirus around the world