TESTING

Spring Semester Starts With Souped Up Testing. “Although COVID-19 is more prevalent in Connecticut than in the fall, colleges and universities are forging ahead with reopening plans for the spring semester — albeit with significantly more testing planned … Every CCSU resident-student, student-athlete, and residence hall staff member will be tested every week through March, as opposed to 25% of that population tested each week during the fall semester.” (Emily DiSalvo, “Spring Semester Starts With Souped Up Testing,” CT News Junkie, 1/19/21)

Mohegan Sun Opens Coronavirus Testing Site. “Yale New Haven Health, the Mohegan Tribe and Mohegan Sun have announced a new community COVID-19 collection site in the Mohegan Sun Thames Garage. The Thames Garage location is currently open to the public and Mohegan team members by appointment only. The new Yale New Haven Health site will provide COVID-19 testing (symptomatic and asymptomatic) for patients with or without insurance.” (Chris Rhatigan, “Mohegan Sun Opens Coronavirus Testing Site,” Patch, 12/11/20)

New Haven Continues Focus On Testing Accessibility. “Nine months into the pandemic, New Haven officials say they are keeping their focus on accessible COVID-19 testing for residents as cases continue to grow… The city’s COVID-19 testing logistics team monitors hotspots throughout neighborhoods to determine locations that could be easy for people to get to on foot or by car. With the increased demand for testing, they’re paying attention location and timing for testing.” (Kyle Jones, “New Haven Continues Focus On Testing Accessibility,” NBC Connecticut, 11/23/20)

Greenwich Schools Receives Shipment Of COVID-19 Rapid Tests. “A supply of rapid COVID-19 tests provided by the state arrived Wednesday morning at Greenwich High School. In total, Greenwich Public Schools applied for and received a shipment of 120 Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen testing kits that can be used district-wide beginning next week, according to Board of Education communications liaison Jonathan Supranowitz.” (Justin Papp, “Greenwich Schools Receives Shipment Of COVID-19 Rapid Tests,” Greenwich Time, 12/16/20)

New COVID-19 Testing Site To Open At Bradley Airport For Public. “A drive-through COVID-19 testing site will be opening at Bradley Airport and it will be open to the public and also add capacity for airport passengers. Hartford HealthCare and the Connecticut Airport Authority on Wednesday announced that a drive-thru site will open Monday at the airport’s Parking Lot 3 on Schoephoester Road. Testing will be provided daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.” (Staff, “New COVID-19 Testing Site To Open At Bradley Airport For Public,” NBC Connecticut, 11/18/20)

State Looks To Add More Testing Sites. “Josh Geballe, who helps lead Connecticut’s pandemic response, said working with its partners, the state’s increased the number of testing sites by 33% in the last two weeks. He said that they’re also in talks with the state’s largest cities to add more testing sites with large capacities.” (Kirsten Johnson, “State Looks To Add More Testing Sites, Alleviate Long Lines,” NBC Connecticut, 11/18/20)

UConn Allocates $10 Million For COVID Testing In The Spring. “The University of Connecticut has approved the extension of three vendor contracts in an effort to improve COVID testing for the spring semester. Hearst Connecticut reports UConn has spent close to $3.5 million on testing so far and with these new extensions, the university will allocate up to $10 million for the spring. In hopes of keeping up with testing demands, the university will be able to administer up to 65,000 tests next semester — more than twice the tests it’s already conducted.” (Camilla Vallejo, “UConn Allocates $10 Million For COVID Testing In The Spring,” Connecticut Public Radio, 11/18/20)

Connecticut Convention Center To Be Transformed Into A COVID Testing Site. “The Connecticut Convention Center will be transformed into an indoor COVID testing site. Right now, at their permanent testing site on Hudson Street, they have a capacity for 1,700 tests a week. At the convention center, it will be 4,000.” (Matt Caron, “Connecticut Convention Center To Be Transformed Into A COVID Testing Site,” WTIC Fox, 10/27/20)

COVID-19: No Barriers To Free Testing In Connecticut. “While many health insurance providers are covering testing and states have established programs to offset out-of-pocket costs for many people, Connecticut is guaranteeing free testing regardless of the ability to pay or immigration status if you show symptoms.” (Kristin Palpini, “COVID-19: No Barriers To Free Testing In Connecticut,” Daily Voice, 10/26/20)

CVS To Open 7 New COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Sites In Connecticut. “CVS Health announced Thursday the expansion of its testing capacity in anticipation of a potential second wave of coronavirus. The company expects to add more than 2,000 testing sites in waves over the next several weeks, for a total over 4,000 sites across the country by mid-October.” (Alana Seldon, “CVS To Open 7 New COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Sites In Connecticut Friday,” WTIC Fox, 9/17/20)

Inside CT’s Fall COVID Testing Plan: 1 Million Tests A Month By December. “By December, Connecticut’s goal is to test 1 million people — about one third of the state’s population — every month for coronavirus. That’s according to a testing plan filed by the state with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources in July.” (Emilie Munson, “Inside CT’s Fall COVID Testing Plan: 1 Million Tests A Month By December,” Middletown Press, 9/13/20)

State Ramps Up Testing In Danbury Nursing Homes. “The governor said Monday that he has suspended in Danbury a state policy allowing nursing homes to stop the weekly testing of residents and staff if a building is coronavirus-free for 14 days. Facilities in the city will have to test everyone on a weekly basis for the foreseeable future. Nursing homes and assisted living centers outside of Danbury are still permitted to stop testing if a building has been COVID-19 free for two weeks.” (Jenna Carlesso “Following Danbury COVID Surge, State Ramps Up Testing In Nursing Homes There,” CT Mirror, 8/24/20)

CT Extends Funding For Nursing Home Staff COVID Testing. “State officials, who had planned to fund the broad testing of nursing home staff through Aug. 31, are extending their financial support through late October, pointing to the importance of identifying carriers of the virus and preventing further spread.” (Jenna Carlesso, “CT Extends Funding For Nursing Home Staff COVID Testing,” CT Post, 8/13/20)

CVS Health Rapid Result COVID-19 Testing Site In Hartford Extended To September. “Mayor Bronin, along with the NAACP, health and fire officials will announce Thursday new efforts to ensure all Connecticut residents have equal access to coronavirus tests. CVS Health will officially continue operating the rapid result COVID-19 testing site at the Arroyo Recreation Center through September 2020 … Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP President, Scot X. Esdaile is also expected to announce the launch of an NAACP public awareness campaign focused the importance of testing within Black and Brown communities. The campaign, which is supported by CVS Health, will elevate community voices across social media, TV, radio, and email and also leverage community partnerships across the state.” (Alana Seldon, “‘CVS Health Rapid Result COVID-19 Testing Site In Hartford Extended To September,”WTIC FOX, 7/23/20)

Ridgefield To Hold Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing This Weekend. “Drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be offered at Scotts Ridge Middle School this weekend. The testing site at 750 North Salem Road will be open Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.” (Staff, “‘Ridgefield To Hold Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing This Weekend,”CT Post, 7/22/20)

Hartford HealthCare Celebrates 100K COVID-19 Tests. “Hartford HealthCare officials and state leaders celebrated a milestone – as of Sunday, the health care group has conducted more than 100,000 COVID-19 tests.  Connecticut has been testing thousands of people a day and Hartford HealthCare is one of the biggest partners.  Outside the Duncaster Senior Living facility in Bloomfield, Hartford HealthCare President and CEO Jeffrey Flaks praised both his team and state leadership for their efforts to expand testing in the state, which is key to containing COVID-19.” (Staff, “‘Testing Is Critical:’ Hartford HealthCare Celebrates 100K COVID-19 Tests,” WVIT NBC, 7/9/20)

Connecticut Signs Contract With 6 Private Labs for COVID Testing. “Connecticut will pay six private labs more than $60 million over the next year to do coronavirus testing. Purchase orders obtained by the Hartford Courant show the largest contract of $25 million is with Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine based in Farmington. Hartford Hospital and Yale New Haven Health Services were also awarded contracts. The contracts require that testing results are available within 24 hours.” (J.D. Allen, “Connecticut Signs Contracts With 6 Private Labs For COVID Testing,” WSHU Public Radio, 6/29/20)

Middletown Offering Drive-Thru, In-Person COVID Testing Centers. “The Middletown Health Department is encouraging residents to get tested if they think they have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who is positive or suspected to have the coronavirus. Several testing sites are now available in Middletown. In most cases, the process is free, and no doctor’s note is needed, according to a press release. The sites will test people regardless if they have symptoms or not.” (Press Staff, “Middletown Offering Drive-Thru, In-Person COVID Testing Centers,” CT Post, 6/24/20)

Hartford HealthCare Launches Mobile Testing Program To Target Underserved Areas. “Hartford HealthCare has launched a mobile coronavirus testing program in partnership with the city of Hartford that will make it easier to bring testing to people who need it.  A minivan full of doctors, nurses and testing supplies pulled up outside The Open Hearth, a shelter in Hartford’s South End for men experiencing homelessness.” (Ryan Lindsay, “Hartford HealthCare Launches Mobile Testing Program, Targets Underserved Areas,” WNPR, 4/29/20)

Connecticut Formed A Partnership With CVS Health For Free Rapid COVID-19 Tests For Eligible Connecticut Residents. “The governor said CVS Health is using the new Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 test and plans to conduct up to 750 tests per day, seven days a week.” (Staff, “First CT Rapid COVID-19 Testing Center Opening In New Haven,” WVIT NBC, 4/17/20)

Connecticut’s Health Insurance Carriers’ Coronavirus Preparedness To Include Testing Costs Coverage:

• Karen S. Lynch, Executive Vice President Of CVS Health And President Of Aetna Business Unit: “’As we navigate the spread of COVID-19, we are deeply committed to ensuring timely and seamless access to care.  That’s why we announced last week that we’re providing COVID-19 diagnostic testing and telemedicine visits with no out-of-pocket costs or cost sharing for Aetna members, and announced further enhancements today to prevent interruption of medication availability.  We join Governor Lamont in encouraging Connecticut residents to talk to their pharmacists about maintaining adequate supply of medications.  Pharmacists at CVS Health are available to counsel patients on their options to refill prescriptions early and extend prescriptions from 30 to 90 days.’” (“Coronavirus Preparedness To Include Testing Costs Coverage,” The Newton Bee, 3/12/20)

• Jill Hummel, President Of Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield In Connecticut: “’Improving lives and communities is an important part of Anthem’s mission.  Towards that end, amid the growing concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19 in communities across the state, Anthem has previously announced efforts to eliminate the burden of additional costs for members by providing coverage of the coronavirus screening test at no out-of-pocket-cost.  We remain committed to keeping healthcare affordable for the consumers we serve, and working with state leaders to help contain the spread of this virus.’” (“Coronavirus Preparedness To Include Testing Costs Coverage,” The Newton Bee, 3/12/20)

• Wendy Sherry, President Of Cigna’s Connecticut Market: “’As we face this serious challenge to public health, it’s critically important that we all work together to safeguard our communities.  That’s why Cigna will cover the full cost of COVID-19 testing for our customers when it’s prescribed by a health practitioner.  By removing barriers to COVID-19 testing, we can help contain the spread of virus, while bringing peace of mind to our customers in Connecticut and around the world.’” (“Coronavirus Preparedness To Include Testing Costs Coverage,” The Newton Bee, 3/12/20)

• Dr Richard Migliori, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealth Group: “’Our top priority is the health and well-being of the people we serve.  By waiving cost sharing for diagnostic tests for COVID-19 for our insured health plan members, helping members who need an early refill of their prescription, opening our Emotional Support Help Line, and promoting the use of virtual visits, we are making it easier for people to get the care and support they need.’” (“Coronavirus Preparedness To Include Testing Costs Coverage,” The Newton Bee, 3/12/20)

COVID-19 Testing For Ridgefield Residents Available Saturday. “Town wide testing for current evidence of COVID-19 for all residents will take place June 13 at Parks and Recreation Center, located at 195 Danbury Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.” (Rich Kirby, “COVID-19 Testing For Ridgefield Residents Available Saturday,” Patch, 6/8/20)

Stamford-Based Sema4 To Ramp Up CT Coronavirus Testing. “Health care information firm Sema4 announced this week that it is increasing the capacity for its new coronavirus testing program to at least 10,000 tests daily and up to 20,000, with the initiative supporting first responders, nursing homes and primary care centers in Connecticut … Sema4 is also conducting antibody testing to identify people who have been exposed and whose immune systems have responded to the coronavirus virus, with the goal of running about 5,000 of the tests per day by the end of June.” (Paul Schott, “Stamford-Based Sema4 To Ramp Up CT Coronavirus Testing,” Stamford Advocate, 6/2/20)

CHC Offering Coronavirus Testing Throughout Connecticut. “The Community Health Center, Inc. is providing COVID-19 tests throughout the state of Connecticut. The CHC says the tests can be administered by drive-through or walk-up methods with or without an appointment.” (Hector Ramirez II, “CHC Offering Coronavirus Testing Throughout Connecticut,” WTNH ABC, 6/2/20)

In New Haven, COVID-19 Tests Now Available To Everyone. “… New Haven is at a point in the crisis where they can now offer a test to anyone – with or without symptoms – for free … Officials said Tuesday widespread testing will give people a way to feel safer at restaurants, businesses and eventually back at schools … The city will even offer an eighth option for testing Wednesday. There will be a pop-up site on the Green from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.” (Kyle Jones, “In New Haven, COVID-19 Tests Now Available To Everyone,” WVIT NBC, 5/26/20)

Testing Continues To Surge As COVID-19 Hospitalizations Fall. “Officials conducted 14,647 tests over the weekend, including the 8,847 tests the governor’s office reported on Saturday.  Lamont has said he wants Connecticut to be conducting 42,000 weekly coronavirus tests by May 20, when the state begins to reopen.  That means the state would need conduct at least 6,000 tests each day to meet the goal.” (Kelan Lyons, “Testing Continues To Surge As COVID-19 Hospitalizations Fall, State Parks Fill For Second Day,” CT Mirror, 5/17/20)

COVID-19 Testing Sites Opening At 12 Local Pharmacies In CT. “CVS Health is expanding its testing sites for COVID-19 to drive through locations at 12 local CVS pharmacies in Connecticut.  They are among the first rollout of 51 sites across the country in several states, including Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.  CVS Health already has large standalone rapid-test facilities in five states, including Connecticut, where more than 102,000 people have been tested for the coronavirus that has claimed the lives of 84,763 people in the United States.” (Mary E. O’Leary, “COVID-19 Testing Sites Opening At 12 Local Pharmacies In CT,” CT Post, 5/14/20)

Hartford Will Soon Have 8 Coronavirus Testing Sites Open To All, Regardless Of Symptoms. “Wheeler Clinic, InterCommunity Inc. and Community Health Services are preparing their sites, and CVS stores on Blue Hills Avenue and Washington Street will begin testing Friday, health and local officials announced Thursday.  Charter Oak Health Center opened its doors to testing on Monday, becoming the third permanent site after St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center and Hartford Hospital.” (Rebecca Lurye, “Hartford Will Soon Have 8 Coronavirus Testing Sites Open To All, Regardless Of Symptoms. Here’s Where They Are And When They’re Conducting Tests,” Hartford Courant, 5/14/20)

CT Wants To Test Everyone At Nursing Homes For Coronavirus By June. “Connecticut health officials want to test residents and staff members for coronavirus at all 215 nursing homes by June, a spokesman for the office of Gov. Ned Lamont said Monday.” (Peter Yankowski, “CT Wants To Test Everyone At Nursing Homes For Coronavirus By June,” CT Post, 5/12/20)

New Haven Launches Third Walk-Up COVID-19 Test Site. “New Haven’s third walk-up site is up in running at Day Street Park.  It’s part of the city’s plan to make testing more accessible, especially in the areas that are hardest hit by COVID-19.  ‘Once we know where these areas are, we are scaling up testing,’ said Maritza Bond, health director for the City of New Haven.” (Kyle Jones, “New Haven Launches Third Walk-Up COVID-19 Test Site,” WVIT NBC, 4/29/20)

CT Will Start System To Trace Coronavirus Contacts In Mid-May. “By mid-May, the state will begin a computerized system for tracing the contacts of patients with the coronavirus, and as many as 800 people will be recruited to track down the various paths the infection takes in Connecticut.  The program was announced Tuesday afternoon, amid reports of another 77 fatalities, bringing the total to 2,089 in the coronavirus pandemic.  Net hospitalizations decreased by 26 patients, bringing the total hospitalized to 1,732.” (Ken Dixon, “CT Will Start System To Trace Coronavirus Contacts In Mid-May,” CT Post, 4/29/20)

New Haven To Open New Walk-Up Coronavirus Testing Site. “A new coronavirus testing site is opening in New Haven on Wednesday.  Officials said the site is in the Dwight Street neighborhood – one of the Elm City’s hot spots for the virus.  The first thing you need to know is that it is a walk-up testing site at an outdoor basketball court at Chapel and Day street, just a couple blocks from St. Raphael’s Hospital.” (Rich Coppola, “New Haven To Open New Walk-Up Coronavirus Testing Site, WTNH ABC, 4/28/20)

Testing Ramps Up As New Coronavirus Cases Climb Past 22K In Connecticut. “There are 2,109 new coronavirus cases in Connecticut since Tuesday and 121 new deaths, according to Gov. Ned Lamont. …The higher daily numbers were due to a large increase in testing, Lamont said.” (Staff, “Testing Ramps Up As New Coronavirus Cases Climb Past 22K In Conn.,” WVIT NBC, 4/22/20)

Connecticut Will Ramp Up Testing By Mid-May. “By mid-May the state will be able to significantly ramp up testing beyond the current 18,000 a week, medical officials and Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Tuesday.  ‘We could increase our testing capacity by maybe 10 times over the next month or so,’ Lamont said.  ‘That would dramatically improve and accelerate our ability to get back to work.’” (Ken Dixon, “State Will Ramp Up Testing By Mid-May,” CT Post, 4/22/20)

Connecticut Ramps Up Coronavirus Test Processing With Stamford-Based Company As Large-Scale Testing On The Horizon. “In an effort to speed up the processing of coronavirus test results, Stamford-based health company Sema4 is being added to the list of businesses that receive and process tests.  Sema4, which began receiving and processing tests last week, says it can process up to 6,000 COVID-19 tests per week with a turnaround time of 24-48 hours per test.” (Amanda Blanco, “Connecticut Ramps Up Coronavirus Test Processing With Stamford-Based Company As Large-Scale Testing On The Horizon,” Hartford Courant, 4/13/20)

New London School Nurses Working At Hospital COVID-19 Testing Site To Help Fill The Void In Health Care Workers. “As testing for COVID-19 continues to become more available across the state, there is an increased need for healthcare workers to help conduct the tests.  In New London, school nurses are helping to fill the void.  ‘This is very different,’ said Jayne Hill, a school nurse who is now working at Yale New Haven Health’s Lawrence and Memorial Hospital.  ‘I have never done anything like this before.’” (Siobhan McGirl, “New London School Nurses Working At Hospital COVID-19 Testing Site,” WVIT NBC, 3/23/20)

Multiple Connecticut Hospitals Are Conducting Antibody Treatment For Coronavirus. “Researchers are isolating antibodies in people who’ve recovered from the coronavirus to see if they can help the hundreds of hospital patients struggling with the sometimes-deadly respiratory infection.  The effort is underway at Stamford Health – which is conducting Connecticut’s first clinical trial – and at Nuvance Health in Danbury and Norwalk, which is collecting the plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients for a similar study later this month.” (Rob Ryser, “Multiple Connecticut Hospitals Conducting Antibody Treatment For Coronavirus,” Connecticut Magazine, 4/8/20)

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

CVS To Add 11 COVID-19 Vaccine Sites In Connecticut. “CVS is adding 11 locations for COVID-19 vaccines in Connecticut as early as Sunday, March 14, and appointments for the latest allocation of doses will start to become available for booking on Saturday, March 13, as stores receive shipments of vaccines, according to CVS.The company said these 11 locations at pharmacy locations, in addition to 15 existing stores, will bring the total to 26 locations.” (Staff, “CVS To Add 11 COVID-19 Vaccine Sites In Connecticut,” NBC Connecticut, 3/11/21)

Hartford HealthCare To Text, Email Patients Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccine About Appointments. “Hartford HealthCare said it will be notifying patients who are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine by text or email when appointments become available. Starting at 6 a.m. on Friday, Hartford HealthCare patients age 45 to 54 who have not been vaccinated will be notified by text or email when vaccine appointments are available.” (Staff, “Hartford HealthCare To Text, Email Patients Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccine About Appointments,” NBC Connecticut, 3/16/21)

Governor Lamont, Mohegan Tribe, And Yale New Haven Health Announce Launch Of Mass COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic At Mohegan Sun. “In a continued effort to meet public health needs relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Ned Lamont, the Mohegan Tribe, and Yale New Haven Health System today announced plans to open a large-scale community vaccination site at Mohegan Sun.” (Governor Ned Lamont, “Governor Lamont, Mohegan Tribe, And Yale New Haven Health Announce Launch Of Mass COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic At Mohegan Sun,” The Office Of Governor Ned Lamont, 2/18/21)

New COVID Testing Site Opens At Harbor Yard In Bridgeport. “St. Vincent’s Medical Center has opened a new COVID-19 testing site, in the parking garage of Harbor Yard, at 700 Main St. The site replaces the hospital’s previous Bridgeport testing center, which had been across the street from the medical center.” (Amanda Cuda, “New COVID Testing Site Opens At Harbor Yard In Bridgeport,” CT Post, 1/25/21)

Dunkin’ Donuts Park To Be Used As COVID-19 Vaccination Site. “Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford will soon be used as a COVID-19 vaccination site, according to Mayor Luke Bronin’s Office … Beginning as soon as February 6, the venue will likely be used for specific, by-appointment testing events and those events will depend on the availability of vaccines on a weekly basis, according to the mayor’s office.”(Staff, “Dunkin’ Donuts Park To Be Used As COVID-19 Vaccination Site,” NBC Connecticut, 1/21/21)

Health Leaders Send Testing Reminders As Vaccines Emerge. “Yale New Haven Health on Friday announced they’re planning public vaccinations starting next week. The appointment website going live Friday afternoon … Yale New Haven Health is using ‘MyChart,’ an electronic medical record system used by some healthcare providers including Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, who’s also offering vaccinations.” (Kyle Jones, “Health Leaders Send Testing Reminders As Vaccines Emerge,” NBC Connecticut, 1/15/21)

First COVID-19 Vaccine Given In Conn. Shortly After Arrival At Hartford Hospital. “History unfolded as the first authorized COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. shipped out to spots across the country, including roughly 31,000 doses to Connecticut. The first COVID-19 vaccines in the state arrived to Hartford Hospital on Monday morning. Later in the morning, the first vaccine was given out to a frontline health care worker.” (Matt Austin, “First COVID-19 Vaccine Given In Conn. Shortly After Arrival At Hartford Hospital,” NBC Connecticut, 12/14/20)

Test Positive For COVID? App Alerts People You Were With Days Earlier. “The COVID Alert CT app, which launched last week, notifies users if their phone senses they spent more than 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who has since tested positive for the virus. The infected person is kept anonymous in the process, according to state officials. To report a positive case, users are prompted to enter a one-time code needed to verify the diagnosis.” (Peter Yankowski, “Test Positive For COVID? App Alerts People You Were With Days Earlier,” The Hour, 11/18/20)

Saliva Tests For COVID-19 Being Developed In CT. “On Tuesday, our senators stopped in New Haven and Guilford to see some of the cutting edge tests and drugs. These are just some of the Yale scientists working on the ‘Saliva Direct’ Covid-19 test. It is being described as less expensive and evasive than nose swab tests, and gives results faster. The test was developed in a partnership between Yale University and the NBA, with the league and player’s union giving more than half a million dollars to help fund its development.” (Lisa Carberg, “Senators Praise Saliva Tests For COVID-19 Being Developed In CT,” WTNH ABC, 8/25/20)

New Connecticut Company Seeks To Solve COVID Mask Slippage.  “Connecticut Biotech believes its 3D-printed mask frame sold for around $39 will be more than a necessary accessory … The mask frame is worn over a conventional surgical mask to fit the face and seal it from external air with potential virus particles. Vaccaro, a serial entrepreneur who is also the co-founder of Ticket Network, said a study by the U.S. Department of Defense in April found that removing the air gaps in surgical masks increases the efficiency of filtration of particles greater than 30 nanometers.” (Christine Stuart, “New Connecticut Company Seeks To Solve COVID Mask Slippage,” CT News Junkie, 8/13/20)

Gov. Lamont Tours CT Biotech And Production of UConn-Made Face Mask Frames.  “Later Wednesday, Gov. Ned Lamont, US Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and UConn President Tom Katsouleas toured Connecticut Biotech, a new start-up company in South Windsor that is producing innovative, 3D-printed face mask frames. According to the governor’s office, “The technology was developed at UConn under the leadership of UConn Health research team leader Dr. Cato T. Laurencin with the goal of creating a custom mask frame that makes regular surgical masks more protective and help secure filtration.” (Doug Stewart, “Gov. Lamont Tours CT Biotech And Production Of UConn-Made Face Mask Frames,” WTIC/Fox 61, 8/12/20)

Wallingford Healthcare Provider Begins Using New Shoe Disinfection Technology Amid Pandemic. “Gaylord Specialty Healthcare announced this week that it had begun using a new technology to disinfect shoes as it takes further safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.  Officials said the organization was the first in New England to ‘implement UVZone shoe disinfection technology from Florida-based PathO3Gen Solutions as part of an ongoing effort to protect patient and staff safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic’… It was paid for through a $35,000 grant from The Greater New Haven COVID-19 Community Fund, a joint effort from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the United Way, officials said.” (Ben Lambert, “Wallingford Healthcare Provider Begins Using New Shoe Disinfection Technology Amid Pandemic,” CT Post, 7/10/20)

Popularity of Telehealth Grows Amid Coronavirus Pandemic. “Like many hospital systems, Trinity Health Of New England has substantially grown its network of brick-and-mortar outpatient locations in recent years to bring its providers and services closer to patients’ homes.  But the trend of ever-expanding healthcare real estate may be coming to an end, says Trinity Health CEO Dr. Reginald Eadie, who oversees the four-hospital system, including St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford … the practice of telemedicine has exploded during the coronavirus pandemic, spurred by the federal government’s decision to reimburse virtual doctor visits, through phone or video, at the same rates as if they had occurred face to face.  Meanwhile, Connecticut’s Medicaid program has eased prior restrictions on audio-only doctor visits in response to COVID-19, while commercial health insurers, including Aetna and Cigna, have temporarily waived member cost-sharing for certain telemedicine visits.” (Matt Pilon, “Growing Popularity Of Telehealth Casts Uncertainty Over CT’s Stable Medical Office Market,” Hartford Business Journal, 5/18/20)

‘Cautious Enthusiasm’ For Plasma Treatment In COVID-19 Cases. “Plasma transfusions are gaining traction at other hospitals throughout Connecticut and nationally as well, as doctors wait for a breakthrough treatment.  Nuvance Health, which includes Danbury and Norwalk hospitals, reports more than 200 patients system-wide treated with plasma so far.  The network opened its COVID-19 plasma donation centers recently and already counts about 1,750 donors in its database.” (Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, “‘Cautious Enthusiasm’ For Plasma Treatment In COVID-19 Cases,” CT Mirror, 5/17/20)

Gov. Lamont Announced A Partnership With Yale New Haven Health And Jackson Labs To Increase Testing Over The Next Several Weeks. “The governor pointed to a new shipment of PPE to the state as another positive step towards reopening Connecticut.  He toured a facility on Tuesday that is storing that new PPE.  He also announced a partnership with Yale New Haven Health and Jackson Labs to increase testing over the next several weeks.  Lamont said he hoped the new partnership would allow the state to do about 42,000 tests per week by next week.” (Staff, “Coronavirus Hospitalizations Fall Again; State To Ramp Up Testing,” WVIT NBC, 5/12/20)

Yale Researchers Are Among Those Trying To Develop A COVID Vaccine. “Researchers at Yale School of Medicine are working around the clock, to come up with a COVID-19 vaccine.  Their focus is on a livestock virus that led to developing an effective Ebola vaccine.  The FDA approved it in December of last year, benefiting patients and front line workers in Africa.” (Jocelyn Maminta, “Yale Researchers Among Those Trying To Develop COVID Vaccine,” WTNH ABC, 5/1/20)

WFSB Joins Others To Distribute Thousands Of Face Masks. “Channel 3 joined other groups for a 3Cares event called ‘Masks for Connecticut’ on Tuesday, April 28 … As of 11 a.m., organizers reported that 30,000 masks were given out. By the end of the day, close to 50,000 were handed out. Eyewitness News, along with 99.1 WPLR and The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven started giving away free masks … All people had to do is drive through, pop the trunk, and volunteers dropped a bag with five surgical masks inside. The charity ‘Masks for Connecticut,’ with help from Pratt and Whitney, are providing the masks. Masks for Connecticut was started by Bob Stefanowski, who joined forces with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.” (Staff, “3Cares: WFSB Joins Others To Distribute Thousands Of Face Masks,” WFSB CBS, 4/28/20)

National Guard Members Join Health Officials In Nursing Home Inspection Efforts. “In an effort to ‘beef up’ in-person inspections of one of the sectors hardest hit by coronavirus, about 40 members of the National Guard will assist Department of Public Health workers in surveying nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, officials said Monday.” (Jenna Carlesso, “National Guard Members Join Health Officials In Nursing Home Inspection Efforts,” CT Mirror, 4/27/20)

Connecticut Is Distributing Free Face Masks To Small Businesses Amid Pandemic. “Governor Ned Lamont has partnered with Connecticut Business and Industry Association and its affiliate CONNStep. to distribute free face coverings to eligible, essential small businesses.  Eligible businesses include those with fewer than 50 employees and those defined as essential businesses by the Department of Economic and Community Development.” (Teresa Pellicano, “Connecticut To Distribute Free Face Masks To Small Businesses Amid Pandemic,” WTNH ABC, 4/26/20)

Community Group Shares Needed Supplies During Pandemic. “Group members have given away thousands of face coverings, with some providing the fabric and others helping to make them.  There are also highly sought-after supplies, including gloves and hand sanitizer.” (Matt Austin, “Community Group Shares Needed Supplies During Pandemic,” WVIT NBC, 4/22/20)

Hartford HealthCare, Quest Diagnostics Partnering To Increase Coronavirus Testing In The State. “A new partnership was announced Tuesday in an effort to boost coronavirus testing in Connecticut.  The state has put out a call for proposals from other companies to do testing.  Hartford HealthCare and Quest Diagnostics have joined forces to increase the amount of COVID-19 testing done in Connecticut.  The new partnership will increase Hartford HealthCare’s testing capacity by 2,500 tests per day.” (Bob Wilson & Samaia Hernandez, “Hartford HealthCare, Quest Diagnostics Partnering To Increase Coronavirus Testing In The State,” WTNH ABC, 4/21/20)

Rite Aid Adds New Coronavirus Testing Sites In Connecticut. “Rite Aid is adding new COVID-19 testing sites on Monday in Connecticut.  They will also set up in New York and New Jersey.  The centers use self-swab nasal tests supervised by Rite Aid pharmacists.  Testing is administered in the stores’ parking lots with all participants staying in their cars.” (Hector Ramirez II, “Rite Aid Adds New Coronavirus Testings Sites In Connecticut,” WTNH ABC, 4/20/20)

Military Medical Crews Care For COVID-19 Patients In Connecticut. “Soldiers with the Connecticut National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve have begun caring for COVID-19 patients at Stamford Hospital as part of a military effort to support medical staff across the country during the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Thursday.” (Dave Collins, “Military Medical Crews Caring For COVID-19 Patients In Connecticut,” WTIC FOX, 4/16/20)

Hartford HealthCare COVID-19 Recovery Center At Conn. Convention Center Readies For Surge Of Patients. “A new COVID-19 recovery center at the Connecticut Convention Center is almost ready for patients, local health officials said.  The center is run by Hartford HealthCare and the Connecticut National Guard.  The infrastructure for the auxiliary hospital is in place at the convention center.  Over the next few days, the team at the center will run through preparation drills and rehearsals with the goal to be ready for patients within a couple of weeks, according to Hartford HealthCare Medical Group President Mark Prete.” (Staff, “Hartford HealthCare COVID-19 Recovery Center At Conn. Convention Center Readies For Patients, Surge,” WVIT NBC, 4/15/20)

Xerox To Mass-Produce Ventilators. “Xerox has become the latest corporation to offer its manufacturing muscle to an innovative upstart with a technology to help hospitals deal with the inexorable escalation of coronavirus patients, creating a mass-production line at its main technology center in upstate New York to build ventilators for use in intensive care units.  The Norwalk-based printer giant has enlisted in a rapidly swelling army of business volunteers helping to funnel critical supplies to hospitals as Connecticut, New York and other hot pockets brace for a caseload peak this week and next.” (Alexander Soule, “Xerox, Startup Team To Mass-Produce Ventilators,” CT Post, 4/6/20)

Connecticut Is Working To Link Hospitals To Manufacturers Across The State. “Across Connecticut, hundreds of manufacturers have stepped forward to make surgical gowns, face masks and other equipment and components that can be used to stop the spread of the pandemic.  They know demand is high for their products, but they need help tapping into a market.” (Stephen Singer, “Connecticut Is Working To Link Hospitals To Manufacturers Across The State Who Have Stepped Forward To Make Medical Supplies To Fight Coronavirus,” Hartford Courant, 4/3/20)

Tri-State Non-Profits Mobilize To Support Those In Need Amid COVID-19 Crisis. “Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced the formation of a new charity on Wednesday named Connecticut COVID-19 Charity Connection or 4-CT, founded by two Fairfield County residents, Don Kendall and Ted Yang, who run Social Venture Partners – Connecticut, which is a collective of donors and other philanthropic groups.” (Neil Carousso, “Difference Makers: Tri-State Non-Profits Mobilize To Support Those In Need Amid COVID-19 Crisis,” WCBS News Radio, 4/1/20)

A Connecticut Doctor Turns To 3D Printers To Make Face Masks As Need Grows Amid Coronavirus Crisis. “Dr. Chris Wiles, a first year anesthesiology resident at Hartford and St. Francis hospitals and UConn Health, has turned to his 3D printing hobby to come up with a face mask healthcare workers can use should N95 masks run out.  The New London native said he searched online for a mask he could produce with his 3D printer, but ended up designing his own.” (David Owens, “A Connecticut Doctor Turns To 3D Printers To Make Face Masks As Need Grows Amid Coronavirus Crisis,” Hartford Courant, 3/31/20)

Connecticut Communities Respond To The Call For Masks. “United Steel CEO Keith Corneau heard the call for donations and loaded a car with cases of N95 masks Tuesday afternoon.  ‘We decided that we wanted to donate them to our healthcare workers, obviously knowing they are in a much more difficult position than we are,’ said Corneau.” (Kyle Jones, “Connecticut Communities Respond To Healthcare Call For Masks,” WVIT NBC, 3/24/20)

Connecticut Company, Bio-Med Devices, Is Ramping Up Production Of Ventilators To Meet Demand. “There are not enough ventilators for the expected number of coronavirus patients, and a Connecticut company that makes them is now working seven days a week to try and meet demand.  Dean Bennett III has had to ramp up operations at Bio-Med Devices during the past month.  His company’s TV 100 ventilator is the one that’s most in demand.” (Staff, “Connecticut Company Working Around The Clock To Make Ventilators For Coronavirus Patients,” WTNH FOX, 3/23/20)