Coronavirus Southbury: Cases Rise to 145, 18 Deaths

SOUTHBURY, CT — More than 250 cases of coronavirus have been reported by the Pomperaug Health District, which covers health services for Southbury, Woodbury and Oxford. As of May 7, Southbury recorded the largest proportion of the confirmed cases, with 145, as well as 18 deaths.

As of May 7, Oxford's cases climb to 72 and three deaths, while Woodbury stands at 36 cases and two deaths.

On Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the state is targeting May 20 to begin the first phase of a plan to reopen the state's economy and public spaces, though that plan is contingent on the state passing seven health criteria, requirements that include launching an expanded contact tracing program that will allow medical officials to map out the social paths of people who may have unknowingly come in contact with someone infected with the virus.

Neal Lustig, director of the Pomperaug District Department of Health, told the News-Times on Thursday that the department is preparing to meet the new reopening requirements and is already involved in a contact tracing program.

We have the staff," Lustig said. "We have resources to get it done and we will do what we have to do to protect our citizens."

As of May 7, Connecticut is approaching 32,000 confirmed cases. Of the 2,797 deaths reported statewide, 958 come from nursing home residents.