For the first time since March, there have been no new deaths overnight due to the coronavirus in Connecticut. Gov. Ned Lamont said hospitalizations did rise, though, with 14 more since yesterday. However, he said the statistic should not alarm residents.
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“I would worry if I saw our admissions in our hospitals going up ... and that’s not what happened,” said Lamont. “We’ve had about 20 to 30 COVID admissions a day over the past few weeks, so that’s been consistent over the past few weeks. What has happened is there are many fewer discharges.”
Lamont said that 6,000 tests were performed Monday and that 1% came back positive. Meanwhile, three more states were added to the region’s travel advisory: Delaware, Kansas and Oklahoma. There are now 19 states from which travelers must quarantine for 14 days if they visit Connecticut.
Lamont gave his pandemic update on the steps of The Community Foundation in New Haven. He was joined by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz in announcing a new loan program for small businesses in New Haven and the lower Naugatuck Valley.
The loan program will help minority- and women-owned businesses affected by the pandemic get back on their feet. It’s a public-private partnership between The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, HEDCO, the Amour Propre Fund and the City of New Haven.
Cathy Graves, New Haven’s deputy economic development director, said the program supports businesses that might struggle to get a traditional bank loan.
"This collaboration creates a powerful team that can confront the deep challenges our urban entrepreneurs and that small business owners are facing during these historic times,” said Graves. “We hope this kind of collaboration is seen as an innovative model worthy of encouragement and sets precedent.”
There is $1.5 million available in low-interest loans for businesses with fewer than 20 employees owned by women or minorities. Loans of up to $25,000 will be made.
