Limited Testing for Coronavirus, Canceled Tournaments in Connecticut

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Due to limited availability of COVID-19 test kits, the state has restricted testing for the virus to hospitalized patients only. According to the Department of Public Health, other individuals who suspect they have Coronavirus will be able to be tested at Quest Diagnostic Labs when more kits are released later this week.

The Department of Public Health was unable to say how many test kits are currently available in the state.

In an effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus, the Governor in conjunction with DPH warned local health departments, towns and school districts against holding gatherings of more than 100 people until the threat has passed, said Lisa Fasulo, the health director of Essex.

In response to that advisory, all high school winter sport tournaments were cancelled today by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference.

“After much consideration and consultation, the CIAC has made a difficult decision to cancel all remaining CIAC winter tournament games,” said Glenn Lungarini, CIAC executive director at a press conference Tuesday morning. “The CIAC understands and appreciates the disappointment that student-athletes, coaches, parents and administrators may feel as a result of this decision. However, we must always place the health and safety of our athletes first.”

In Essex, the town leaders are currently in discussions about cancelling or modifying activities that are planned for the coming weeks.

“The governor did not declare a state of emergency, but he recommended larger events be cancelled or postponed in some way,” Fasulo said. “The goal is to minimize the chance of transmission from one person to another, so instead of going to a public function, stay home or go for a walk in the woods. It’s all about minimizing people’s risk of contracting the virus.”

For now, scheduled public meetings will continue as planned in Essex, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme and East Lyme.

“We aren’t stopping meetings yet,” said First Selectman Tim Griswold of Old Lyme. “We are exploring the idea of the cleaning company coming in daily to do a more thorough job, but otherwise we are continuing with business as usual and standing by to hear from Ledge Light.”

As of Monday, there are two confirmed cases in Connecticut, according to the Connecticut River Area Health District.