Coronavirus Deaths Exceed Somber Milestone In CT: Patch PM

CONNECTICUT — It is a somber day in Connecticut as more than 7,000 people have died as a result of the coronavirus since the pandemic began in early March, Gov. Ned Lamont revealed at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Another 44 deaths were reported over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number to 7,020 lives lost due to COVID-19, Lamont said.

• Total cases: Since the pandemic, 248,765 cases have been reported including 1,426 new cases over the past day.
• The number of hospitalizations in Connecticut dipped below 1,000 on Thursday and is at 995 presently. The last time Connecticut was below 1,000 hospitalizations was back on Nov. 24.
• The infection rate has also been plummeting for the past week and was 3.55 percent over the past day.
• However, the new strain of the virus, which has been found in Connecticut, has caught the attention of local educators who are keeping a close eye on it and its potential impacts on in-person learning.

Read the full story, which includes updated coronavirus cases for every town in CT and a vaccine update.

Top talker: State Sen. Will Haskell, a Democrat, has received a lot of attention for his proposed legislation that would charge citizens $20 if they failed to cast a ballot in any local, state or federal election.

Those refusing to make their voice heard would be tracked by the Secretary of State, and the truant citizens given a chance to plead their case via mail. Acceptable excuses would include travel, illness, and conscientious objection, according to the proposed legislation.

And if you're curious, 1.86 million Connecticut residents voted in November 2020, according to the Associated Press, which is about 80 percent of registered users.

Haskell said he doesn't believe his proposal will be approved, but he wants to start a conversation on the importance of everyone having the right to vote. >>>Read the full story here.

Hold the tuna? Subway, whose world headquarters are based in Milford, has been hit with a federal suit which claims that tuna sandwiches sold in some California locations aren't made with real tuna, the Connecticut Post reports. They are seeking $5 million. That's a lot of $5 footlongs. Subway of course denied the claims in the suit.>>>Read More at the CT Post.

Another trending food-related story. In Norwalk, it was revealed that the Connecticut Food Bank stopped distributing expired turkey meat through its food pantry in Norwalk after complaints over safety, writes The Hour. Apparently, the meat had a best use date of December.>>>Read the full story here.

Looking for a big discount? Arts and Crafts giant Hobby Lobby is planning to cut out its popular 40-percent-off coupon next month. The discount was good at both Hobby Lobby stores and for online orders, but it will no longer be in effect beginning Feb. 28, officials said Wednesday on Facebook. The coupon applies for one item at regular price and can be used once per day per customer. Hobby Lobby has stores in Manchester, Bristol, Milford and East Haven. Happy shopping! >>>Read the full story here.

Top local stories trending across Connecticut:

Simsbury High School grad Rachel Sennott plays a lead role in "Call Your Mother," which is an ABC TV show.>>>Read more here.

Mystic Aquarium's Animal Rescue Program recently rescued a seal pup, which was found stranded on the shores of Mason's Island at the mouth of the Mystic River in Stonington over the weekend. The pup was brought back to the aquarium's facility and is doing well.>>>Read More here.

In sad business news, Peter's Weston Market will close after nearly 50 years in business. Declining sales and the "complexities" of the coronavirus pandemic have claimed another victim in Weston. The owners shared a heartfelt message with their patrons.>>>Read More here.

And in more upbeat business news, a new Hawaiian restaurant will be opening In Wallingford. Pokémoto Hawaiian Poké is opening a new location in Wallingford. Pokémoto is also opening new locations in Glastonbury and Manchester, according to its website. Pokémoto also has eight other Connecticut locations that are currently open, including eateries in Hamden, Middletown and New Haven.

What's the latest on the big snowstorm for early next week?

The National Weather Service and local meteorologists continue to say there is a good chance for a big snowstorm next Monday and Tuesday.>>>Read more here.

And don't forget to add another blanket to the bed tomorrow.

>>>Find your local Connecticut Patch and the top news in your town here.