ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WTNH) — UConn Health officials confirmed Sunday morning that one of their patients has tested positive for COVID-19.
The male patient in his 50s who is a resident of Hartford was discharged Saturday from UConn Health and the hospital has advised him and his family to quarantine themselves.
According to the Deputy Spokesperson for UConn Health, the hospital followed all precautions recommended by the CDC to protect its staff, visitors, and patients.
UConn Health says, the patient is doing well and all notifications have been provided to the local and state public health authorities.
UConn Health reports they are fully prepared with procedures and tools to safely treat patients who arrive with coronavirus.
No other details have been released at this time regarding the individual diagnosed.
In a press conference at UConn Health Sunday afternoon, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin reminded the public that even though one person from Hartford has tested positive for the virus, there is likely more in the city. So residents are encouraged to follow basic hygiene precautions by washing hands often and thoroughly and stay away from big groups of people.
In the coming weeks in Hartford we’ll probably see hundreds if not thousands of cases of coronavirus….success in our community means slowing down the spread enough so our health institutions…can keep up with the challenge.
– Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin
In a statement Sunday afternoon, Mayor Bronin said in light of the quick spread of the virus, the City of Hartford offices will be closed to the public on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 “as the city finalized preparations to begin providing modified, limited services, with remote work where possible.”
Beginning Wednesday, March 18th, 2020, the City will begin operating with those modified, limited functions for an indefinite period of time. City officials will reassess after two weeks. Public safety-related services will continue to operate as regularly scheduled.
– Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin
“We need to do everything we can to limit community spread of coronavirus and keep our employees and the public safe,” said Mayor Bronin.
We are finalizing our preparations to shift to remote work for those departments, employees and functions, for which remote is feasible. When we reopen on Wednesday, we will be offering modified, limited services to the public, though all public safety services and basic public works functions will continue. We will use the next two days to ensure employees are fully set up to work remotely, and we will have an update with details about the modified, limited functions we will continue to offer by Tuesday.
– Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin
“Our priority as elected officials must be public health, and that is why we are taking these significant steps as a city,” said Maly D. Rosado, City Council President. “The sooner we act, the more we can do to slow the spread of coronavirus. All of us – government, business, and the community – must do our part to keep ourselves and the general public safe.”
WEB EXTRA: UConn Health and Mayor Luke Bronin give an update on first Hartford resident who tested positive for COVID-19 Sunday
News 8 will update this story as more information comes in.
