Weekly Update: Fairfield Coronavirus Vaccine Progress

FAIRFIELD, CT — Connecticut continues to make headway in the battle against the coronavirus as the state’s infection rate drops and vaccinations pick up the pace.

Connecticut averaged 22.8 daily coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents between Feb. 7 and Feb. 20 — the previous two-week average was 27.8 and the peak around the new year was nearly 70.

More towns are dropping off the state’s red alert level for coronavirus infections. Towns fall into the red zone when average daily cases exceed 15 per 100,000 people — 116 of 169 towns are still in the red zone, but that is an improvement of 22 towns from the previous week.

Fairfield recorded 73 new coronavirus cases between Feb. 18 and 24, according to the state Department of Public Health’s preliminary data. There have been 4,116 cases recorded since the pandemic began and 197 coronavirus deaths.

Fairfield had 19 average daily cases per 100,000 residents between Feb. 7 and Feb. 20, and a positive test rate of 1.3 percent. There were 22.3 average daily cases per 100,000 residents in the previous two-week reporting period. It’s important to note that a relatively small number of cases can have a big effect on the case rate, especially in smaller towns.

Vaccines

Gov. Ned Lamont announced a major change to Connecticut’s vaccine plan Monday. Future eligibility will be based on age. Teachers, certain other school staff members and child care providers will also be eligible through a separate clinic system.

Fairfield had 9,441 first doses administered as of Feb. 23. About 15.22 percent of town residents have received at least one dose.