CT Surpasses 1 Million Coronavirus Test Mark

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut crossed a major milestone Wednesday with more than one million coronavirus test results being recorded in the state.

"I am incredibly proud of the work that our agencies, state-contracted laboratories, and testing partners have done to ensure that we have a test available for everyone who needs one in our state,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “This is a significant milestone, but we have to continue these efforts and keep going. We’re committed to moving forward with initiatives that keep testing available in the state to protect our residents, maintain the progress of our safe reopening, and get children back to school."

Connecticut has reported more than 51,000 coronavirus cases and 4,457 deaths as of Wednesday. Its positive test rate has for more than a month been among the lowest in the country.

The state reported another 59 positive cases Wednesday out of more than 9,600 test results. One new death was reported. Hospitalizations increased by two patients up to 49.

Connecticut implemented a robust testing program beyond symptomatic individuals. People living or working in congregate settings such as nursing homes and prisons are routinely tested. Residential college students are also being tested. The state has also put an extra focus on densely-populated urban communities for testing.

Lamont's administration also secured contracts with in-state labs to keep test result turnaround times quick. Some commercial labs across the country are facing large testing backlogs due to spikes in cases in several states.

Around 75 percent of Connecticut's test results are reported within two days or less. The state has contracted with in-state labs Genesys Diagnostics, the Jackson Laboratories, Yale New Haven Health System, Sema4, and Quest Diagnostics.

Lamont's administration has allocated at least $250 million from the Cornavirus Relief Fund to support testing.

“Connecticut went from a state with one of the highest infection rates to one of the lowest because of our ability to test, treat, and track," said Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. "This is especially important as students of all ages get ready to head back to school and businesses continue to reopen. Now more than ever, we must remain vigilant and continue to encourage residents to get tested, wear their masks, and practice proper social distancing.”

Connecticut's robust testing strategy along with mask use and social distancing has helped keep infection rates low, said Acting Public Health Commissioner Deidre Gifford.

"We have also focused on providing easily available testing for high risk populations with no out of pocket costs for the individual," Gifford said. "This is very important as an early warning system for any potential outbreaks. We continue to look for innovative ways to grow our testing efforts in conjunction with subject matter experts in and outside of government by exploring more broad-based methods like saliva testing and pool testing."

Below are the town-by-town figures: