More UK Coronavirus Variant Cases Detected In CT; Alert Issued

CONNECTICUT — Four more cases of United Kingdom coronavirus variant were confirmed in Connecticut, bringing the state's total to 20, Gov. Ned Lamont said Saturday night.

"This variant spreads more easily, adding to the importance of staying home with household members for Sunday’s [Super Bowl] game," state health officials said in a news release.

The state Department of Public Health issued an alert encouraging people to watch the game at home and noted it's supposed to snow.

"This is an ideal time to stay home to watch the game," officials said.

Lamont said it's "crucial to avoid any spikes in the virus."

• See also: CT Weather: Snow Estimates Rise For Super Bowl Sunday Storm

“Connecticut’s numbers are going in the right direction,” said acting Public Health Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford in a news release. “We don’t want the spike in cases that we saw after the holidays, so please enjoy the game with your household members only. Vaccines are being administered at a steady pace, so if we can all minimize spread just a bit longer we’ll be in a much safer, healthier place in the near future.”

In the most recent data released by the state on Friday, the coronavirus infection rate dropped to 3 percent and hospitalizations dropped to 827, the lowest since Nov. 17.

Coronavirus metrics have continued to improve after spikes during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

See related: New Rules: CT Relaxes Regs on Churches, Schools, Bars and More

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