May is off to a promising start in terms of the latest number of coronavirus cases in Connecticut.

The state reported 886 new cases, but that's over a two-day period. Sunday's results weren't available as the state made upgrades to its data collection system.

There were 61 new deaths reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to over 2,500. The net number of hospitalizations fell again, bringing the total to 1,464.

During his briefing Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont was joined by two state senators who are also doctors. They say there can still be a few bumps in the road between now and reopening the state.

State Sens. Saud Anwar and William Petit say over the next few weeks it will be crucial to learn from the examples of other states and countries as we get closer to reopening.

They pointed to new viral spikes in Mississippi and other states as evidence that rushing the process could be counterproductive.

The governor also emphasized that individuals and businesses need time to get precautions in place before they can get back to work.

As of right now, the plan is to allow retail stores, restaurants and salons to open up May 20 with strict social distancing restrictions.

The governor says residents will have to be ready to roll that plan back in case of another spike.

State officials say they hope to provide businesses with official guidelines on opening safely by next week.

BRIEFING UPDATES:

-An additional 886 positive cases across the state
-61 Connecticut residents have died from coronavirus
-Hospitalizations are down 24
-Lamont said PPE is coming from the national stockpile. Some of it will arrive directly at nursing homes in a week or two.
-Testing supplies are also coming in from the federal government.
-A decision on whether schools will reopen will be announced Tuesday. New Jersey joined New York Monday in closing schools the rest of the academic year.