A third person in Connecticut has tested positive for coronavirus. Health officials said Wednesday the patient is a man over the age of 65 who lives at a private residence in New Canaan. He is hospitalized at Norwalk Hospital.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Cartter said the case is not connected to other known coronavirus cases in Connecticut. That makes it the state’s first known case of “community-acquired COVID-19.”
“We need to assume that COVID-19 is here. That is especially true in the southwestern part of the state,” he said. “And it is only a matter of time before we have widespread community transmission throughout the state of Connecticut.”
Cartter said coronavirus testing will be increasingly available, but residents do not need to wait for a result. He said people who feel symptomatic, and who are not in need of emergency medical care, should contact a health care provider for screening.
“Think about those times when you’ve had influenza. Fever. Cough. Headache. Muscle aches. Body aches. And you feel like you’ve been run over by a truck. Throughout this winter that was probably influenza, but moving forward, that’s probably COVID-19,” Cartter said.
Cartter said most people with COVID-19 will be able to recover at home.
Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the state’ coronavirus website can call 2-1-1 for assistance.