Coronavirus On The Run? CT Delivers 1 Millionth Vaccine Dose

CONNECTICUT — The state administered its millionth dose of coronavirus vaccine on Thursday, and Gov. Ned Lamont celebrated by lifting nearly all the capacity restrictions that he had placed on businesses over the course of the coronavirus pandemic.

Many of the new, relaxed rules go into effect March 19, and should give a boost to nearly every business sector except bars that only serve beverages, which will continue to remain closed.

"It's been tough," Lamont said. "People have been frustrated, they have been sheltered at home. A lot of our businesses really suffered, and people took a hit. I felt that, more than most."

The governor stressed that the standard coronavirus mitigation protocols such as social distancing and mask-wearing remain in effect.

Read More: CT Relaxes Gathering, Restaurant, Travel Coronavirus Restrictions

As of Thursday, 74 percent of residents over the age of 75, 59 percent between the ages of 65 and 74, and 17 percent between the ages of 55 and 64 have received at least their first dose of the vaccine.

Residents currently eligible to receive the vaccine under Connecticut’s program include everyone over the age of 55, as well as all healthcare personnel, medical first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, residents and staff of select congregate settings, and preK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers.

The youngest tier, those 55 to 64, were just admitted into the club on Monday, and many were frustrated by overloaded phone banks and no available appointments.

"I appreciate your patience." Lamont said. The state had "hundreds of thousands of people knocking on that door" Monday, and he pledged there would be more openings for appointments next week.

Eligibility will for the vaccine will continue to expand based on age according to the following schedule:

• Mar. 22, 2021: Expands to ages 45 to 54
• Apr. 12, 2021: Expands to ages 35 to 44
• May 3, 2021: Expands to ages 16 to 34

One hundred "educator clinics" have been deployed this week to specifically vaccinate teachers and other school district workers, Lamont said.

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The coronavirus positivity is the lowest it has been in four months, dropping to 1.86 percent Thursday. The 7-day average is around 2.3 percent.

Hospitalizations were down 18 beds, to 433. Another 878 coronavirus cases were confirmed, bringing the state total to 284,500. Another 15 COVID-19-associated deaths brought that toll to 7,693.