Coronavirus Cases Spike 267% In New London County

New London CT

06 October, 2020

7:44 AM

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NEW LONDON, CT — New London County, which had initially some of the best numbers in the state, has seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, according to a statement from Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. The county has witnessed a 267 percent increase in positive tests over the last two weeks, with 154 cases being reported across the county. Lawrence + Memorial Hospital is now restricting visitor access except under extenuating circumstances. The restrictions went into effect Monday and apply at all inpatient and outpatient facilities. "We are committed to keeping you safe and comfortable when you come to us for care," Patrick Green, president and CEO of L+M, said in a statement. "We know that limiting visitors is not ideal, but it helps reduce the risk of exposure to patients and staff." See related: 'That's Not A Good Thing,' As Coronavirus Numbers Rise: Lamont The news comes as hospitalizations have increased in the state. The county currently has 26 people hospitalized, with nine of those in Norwich. There are several free, no-appointment testing locations now available in Norwich via the Ledge Light Health District. New London County now has the third most coronavirus hospitalizations in the state and is only behind Hartford County, which has 41 hospitalizations and New Haven, which has 28. However, both those counties have more than three times the population of New London County. New London County had 12.8 coronavirus cases per 100,000 population per day on average between Sept. 20 and 26. Anything between 10 and 25 falls in the moderate category. New London County's rate is nearly double the next closest county; Windham County had 6.8 cases per 100,000.