Some Connecticut Residents Being Monitored for Coronavirus, None Positive

The word came down earlier today, March 5, from state health officials. At least 200 people in the state of Connecticut are being monitored for the Coronavirus.

Now, only eight of those two hundred have actually been tested for the virus, and all eight have tested negative.

At this time, the state still hasn't had one case of COVID-19 reported, and those being monitored have been told to stay home and away from other people for 14 days.

According to multiple sources including thehour.com, the reason more weren't tested is because the State Health Department, in accordance with guidelines from the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are using strict criteria to determine who will actually be tested.

The Public Health Department in Connecticut has one test kit that can be used on up to 600 people, however the state is seeking more kits from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The people who have been tested have shown symptoms of the Coronavirus, and also have recently visited China or other countries where the virus is more widespread.

Officials are also asking people who have flu like symptoms or respiratory infections to stay at home and away from others instead of going to a hospital, unless they have difficulty breathing or respiratory conditions worsen.

Some hospitals will even be testing people in outside tents and trailers away from other emergency room patients.

The best rule to follow is precaution, not panic. Here are some simple guidelines set up by the the CDC that you should follow to protect yourself and others from the virus.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
• Clean and disinfect objects that are touched frequently
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, and use the 20 second rule when doing so