Gov. Ned Lamont's office has announced a third coronavirus patient in Connecticut.

Officials say the patient is an elderly resident of New Canaan, who lived at home and had no known exposure to COVID-19 that has been identified yet. They say this would be a community-acquired case. He is being treated at Norwalk Hospital.

The state and local health departments are working to identify and monitor contacts of the patient.

State health officials said lower Fairfield County is ground zero for Connecticut's emerging coronavirus outbreak.

The state epidemiologist, Dr. Matthew Cartter, says each coronavirus victim typically comes into contact with up to 20 other people. By next week, he thinks so many people will have the virus that it'll no longer be practical to trace contacts.

The state has tested 74 individuals so far, with 71 cases being negative. Officials said there were another 16 pending tests as of Wednesday.

State lawmakers Wednesday signed-off on Gov. Lamont's Public Health Emergency. For the next six months, the move gives the governor sweeping powers to order quarantines and close schools.

 MORE: A list of area schools and universities closed amid COVID-19 outbreak 

Starting Thursday, the state Capitol will shut down for four days for a deep cleaning.

Legislative leaders announced that public hearings will be postponed for the week of March 16. They also will allow for "call-in" voting for committees.