State officials are optimistic that vaccine supply will soon be at a level to meet demand, Ned Lamont government said in a press conference on Thursday.
Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Update
To date, the state has administered 1,258,847 total doses, with 445,231 people fully vaccinated. The state reports that 76% of those over 75 have had at least one dose, 67% of those 65-74, and 32% of those 55-64.
In total, 29% of all adults aged 16 and older have been vaccinated.
The state is further encouraging people who have booked vaccination appointments to look back for better appointment time and more doses are coming into the state.
“I think within six weeks you’ll find that anyone who wants a vaccine will have that option,” Lamont said.
The governor also said they are still behind in their targets for higher-risk populations.
“We still have some work to do when we get to our most disadvantaged populations,” Lamont said Thursday.
The state’s goal is to deliver 25% of the vaccines to residents of 50 socially vulnerable or SVI zip codes, while currently reaching about 20%.
Officials said they are working with local leaders in various towns and cities on outreach strategies, including mobile clinics set up in senior centers and churches, door-to-door campaigns to sign people up for vaccinations, and outbound phone calls to give people an opportunity. . to ask questions to make sure they are ready to be vaccinated.
Latest Connecticut Coronavirus Numbers
Connecticut’s COVID-19 test positivity rate came in at 2.36% Thursday.
31,185 new tests were reported on Thursday, of which 735 came back positive. There are currently 383 people in hospital with the virus, a net decrease of seven. Nine new deaths were reported.
The governor noted that the state has seen a decrease in the number of tests administered, from an average of about 300,000 a week to about 200,000. He also noted that while the positivity rate hovers in the 2-3% range, the positive cases are generally younger people with less risk of hospitalization and death.
The briefing comes as Connecticut and the rest of the country have been a year since the start of the pandemic.
Looking at strategies to support education
The state is scheduled to receive an estimated $ 1.1 billion in education funding from the US bailout plan, money the state plans to spend in three key areas: enhanced learning and summer enrichment, college credit and summer internships. They will also focus on re-engaging students in social activities they missed by being out of class.
While officials say getting students back into class is critical, they say the level of comfort will be a major challenge.
“The most important thing about feeling safe coming back to a school environment. We really hope that as educators are vaccinated and there are more families in that space, there will also be a sense of renewed commitment as we tackle social isolation,” said Acting Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker of the Department of Education.
Funding for mental health initiatives
The state will also receive funding for mental health, which they will focus on increases for behavioral programs in school, support for substance abuse programs, funding for youth suicide prevention, and addressing other needs stemming from the pandemic.
Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, said the additional funding will allow them to expand existing programs and provide more support services, but it is critical for the public to know that resources are available to them. For more information about existing services, click here.