A six-week-old baby has died from the coronavirus in Connecticut, the state governor confirmed.
Governor Ned Lamont said the newborn died from complications that came from the novel virus, making it the state’s first paediatric death.
“This is a virus that attacks our most fragile without mercy,” Mr Lamont tweeted on Wednesday. “This also stresses the importance of staying home and limiting exposure to other people. Your life and the lives of others could literally depend on it. Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”
The governor confirmed testing showed the infant was Covid-19 positive and government officials believe the child is one of the youngest to die from the virus.
“This is absolutely heartbreaking. We believe this is one of the youngest lives lost anywhere due to complications relating to Covid-19,” he added.
The newborn, who was from the Hartford area of the state, was brought to a hospital last week unresponsive. Healthcare workers were unable to revive the infant.
Mr Lamont’s announcement of the infant’s death went on to implore people to recognise the importance of staying at home to help curb the spread of the virus.
“This is a virus that attacks our most fragile without mercy,” he wrote. “This also stresses the importance of staying home and limiting exposure to other people. Your life and the lives of others could literally depend on it. Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin also confirmed the news when announcing four people from the community had died on Wednesday from Covid-19.
“Our hearts break for that family,” Mr Bronin said.
The number of cases in Connecticut rose to more than 3,500 people infected on Wednesday. Of those cases, 85 have died from the novel virus.
