Bits and pieces: Cold weather protocol, museum hours, hospital bed capacity, COVID-19 locally

Posted By: David Fortier December 21, 2022

Governor activates severe cold weather protocol through weekend

Gov. Ned Lamont announced earlier today that based on the weather forecast indicating Connecticut will experience below-zero wind chills the state’s severe weather cold protocol will go into effect beginning 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24 and remain in effect until 12 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26.

Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to connect with services through the system of state agencies and municipalities set up to ensure that anyone in need can receive shelter, including transportation to a shelter.

Clock & Watch Museum announces end-of-year hours

The American Clock & Watch Museum will be closed for inventory, maintenance and archiving at end of business on Friday, Dec. 30, and reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m.

Hospital bed capacity Bristol Hospital

On average during the week of Dec. 9, 41.7 percent or 55.9 of 134 adult staffed beds were occupied at Bristol Hospital, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

During the same period, 74.4 percent or 10.4 of 14 staffed ICU beds were occupied.

Latest COVID-19 stats

Bristol’s COVID-19 positivity rate is 11.1 percent up from 9.3 percent a week ago with 72 positive cases up from 52 positive cases, leaving Bristol in the high category with over 15 cases per 100,000 people. Hartford County is in the medium category.

The CDC recommends that people at high risk for severe illness, talk to their healthcare provider about whether to need to wear a mask and take other precautions. In addition, the CDC reminds people to take the following measures:

  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
  • Get tested if you have symptoms
  • People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
  • People who are immunocompromised, can learn more about how to protect themselves here.

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