#Connecticut city facing ‘serious’ COVID-19 outbreak, residents urged to stay home

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Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, left, talks with medical staff outside Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford.
AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File

The city of Danbury in Connecticut is facing a “serious outbreak” of the coronavirus, officials warned Friday as they urged residents to stay home.

“This is a serious outbreak in Danbury and we really need an all hands on deck approach,” Acting DPH Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford said in a statement.

From Aug. 2-20, the city recorded 178 new cases of the virus, compared to 40 over the previous two weeks.

Health officials are blaming the outbreak on outdoor barbecues, travel and youth sports, which have been cancelled over the uptick.

Danbury residents should also avoid unnecessary gatherings, church services and limit other indoor activities, officials said.

Those who feel they have been exposed to the illness are urged to self-quarantine for 14 days.

With Post wires