Lamont Considers Loosening Some Coronavirus Restrictions In CT

CONNECTICUT — The big story: Gov. Ned Lamont, who has extended his emergency powers until April, said he's considering removing some COVID-19 related restrictions next week, including dealing with restaurants and houses of worship.>>>Read more here.

• The infection rate has been dropping significantly over the past week in Connecticut but the number of deaths remain high. Hospitalization are also dropping too. Related: CT Crosses Grim Coronavirus Death Milestone, But Several Other Health Metrics Offer Hope

Snow and freezing cold update: First things first, there is no change in the forecast for Monday, Tuesday of next week. There is a chance for a significant long-duration snowstorm but that is about all we know.

The National Weather Service reiterates the exact words it used yesterday to describe the storm potential.

• Here's the rundown: "There is the potential for a coastal storm to bring 6 or more inches of snow to the area late Sunday night into Tuesday. Additionally, strong northeast winds, coastal flooding, and beach erosion will be possible. At this time, there remains a fair amount of uncertainty with the low track and timing to be specific with details."
• And as for the weather Friday and this weekend, basically don't go outside, it's the coldest weather of the winter thus far. Winds could gust up to 50 mph today, and it will feel like 10 to 20 degrees below zero. So again, no need to go outside until maybe next Wednesday when it will be a balmy 36 degrees!
• The weather service places a 50 percent chance of snow after midnight Sunday and gives it 70 percent odds on Monday and Monday night and back down to 60 percent on Tuesday. We'll see.
• One local meteorologist indicates this may be a moderate snowstorm but not a "blockbuster."

• WTNH News 8 chief meteorologist Gil Simmons adds, "Dry through Sunday, and it looks like snow coming in slowly during the day on Monday from south to north then snow and a mix Monday night into Tuesday!"

And some not great news this morning.

Middle school student fighting for her life: Madison "Madi" Cicarella, 13, is an eighth-grade student in Connecticut, and she is battling a rare blood cancer and will ultimately need a bone marrow transplant. A virtual bone marrow donor drive has been launched with the "Bone Marrow and Love for Madi" page on Facebook. An in-person donor drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church on the Green on Feb. 6.>>>Read more about how to help Madi here.

ICYMI from Thursday:

Fined If You Don't Vote? CT Lawmakers Mull Election Reform

Proposed new laws in Connecticut would require verified signatures on absentee ballots, and penalize residents who choose not to vote.>>>Read More.

Shocker: It's always stunning when UConn loses. The UConn women's basketball team, ranked No. 3 in the country, lost to No. 19 Arkansas 90-87 Thursday.>>>Read more at NBC CT.

Other trending stories across CT:

• CT News Junkie has the update on when vaccinations will begin in prisons.>>>Read more here.
• CT News Junkie also has the latest on sports betting in CT.>>>Read more here.
• The CT Mirror dives into the $1 billion question CT needs to deal with.>>>Read more here.

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