Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont (D). File photo.

HARTFORD, CT – (From a Press Release from the Governor’s Office) As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 18:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updates as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

“For the first time since the start of this pandemic, today we saw the number of COVID-19 positive patients in our hospitals decline,” Gov. Lamont said. “This is providing us with some hope, and is a sign that our social distancing measures are having an impact. But one day of data alone does not mean we are out of the woods and can return to life as normal. Many of our hospitals and nursing homes remain under great stress, and our front line workers continue to battle this virus around the clock. But we have shown that with proper measures in place, we can slow down the spread of the virus.”

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Approximately 612 tests completed yesterday at newly launched rapid testing center in New Haven

Approximately 612 tests were completed during the first day of operations at the rapid COVID-19 testing center that opened Friday at the site of the former Gateway Community College campus in New Haven. Operated as a public-private partnership between the State of Connecticut and CVS Health, with support from the City of New Haven, it is estimated that about 750 tests can be performed at the site each day, seven days per week.

The rapid test center uses the new Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 test, which provides results in 30 minutes, from the collection of the swab to the delivery of the results. Tests are provided at no cost to all patients.

Anyone interested in being tested must register online and make an appointment prior to arriving at the test site. Unlike the state’s other testing centers, patients do not need to be referred by a doctor prior to being tested. To make an appointment, visit www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing.

New partnerships formed to expedite loan processing and payments under the Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has formed partnerships with SoFi, a leading online personal finance company, and Equifax, a global data, analytics and technology company, to expedite loan processing and payments – and lower costs – under the Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program.

The $50 million program was created by DECD to provide cash flow relief to small businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by COVID-19. The DECD program has already received over 5,000 applications.

While DECD will make all lending decisions, SoFi will utilize its advanced technology capabilities to expedite all loan processing and facilitate fulfillment to ensure borrowers receive their financial assistance in a timely fashion. Equifax differentiated data assets lend further support to the program to improve the process by validating required information of recipients, credit and bank accounts. These partnerships will help DECD meet the goal to make payments by the end of April. In addition to being more efficient, this new approach lowers costs by automating the closing process.

SoFi, which has over one million members, is providing these third-party services to support Connecticut and this important COVID-19 relief program as part of its larger mission to help people get their money right. Equifax blends unique data, analytics, and technology with a passion for serving customers globally and a commitment to helping people and businesses live their financial best.

Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state’s CTAlert notification system

Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access. It intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.