Governor Lamont Provides Update on Connecticut’s Coronavirus Response Efforts

(HARTFORD, CT) – As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

Data on COVID-19 associated deaths is updated once per week every Thursday. The most recently reported total number of deaths is 8,330.

County-by-county breakdown of current COVID-19 hospitalizations:

For a series of interactive graphs and maps that provide additional data, including metrics related to age, gender, and race/ethnicity, as well as data broken down by every town and city in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”

Connecticut insurance commissioner reminds residents there should be no out-of-pocket cost for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots

Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew N. Mais is reminding consumers that there should be no out-of-pocket cost for the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for those covered by fully insured and self-funded plans. The booster shot is pending authorization from the Federal Drug Administration and is awaiting recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The CDC has announced that fully vaccinated individuals with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine will need a booster shot to keep up their immunity against COVID-19.

Treatment for COVID-19 is covered under all fully insured plans, including high deductible plans, and also covered under most self-funded employer sponsored plans. Members in an employer sponsored plan should verify with their carrier or employer specifics of their coverage for COVID-19 treatment.

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Connecticut Insurance Department.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider.