A call for greater state involvement on COVID-19 response, a shortened recommendation on COVID-19 isolation, rising startup valuations as investors give more attention to early-stage companies, and a record high COVID-19 infection rate in Connecticut are among the top business news items this morning.
National
President Joe Biden has said that the resurgent COVID-19 pandemic must be solved at the state level, pledging that the federal government will offer full support. The remarks come as the Omicron variant drives a spike in new cases and as federal, state, and local governments have established a patchwork of regulations on issues such as vaccine mandates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shortened its COVID-19 isolation recommendations, saying people who have tested positive for the virus can shorten their quarantine from 10 days to five days if they are asymptomatic or if they have been vaccinated. The change came in response to research showing that COVID-19 transmission generally occurs in the early days after infection.
Business trends
Startup valuations have been soaring as venture capitalists and special purpose acquisition companies invest in new businesses. Recent data reflects the brisk formation of new SPACs as well as increased investments in early-stage companies.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s daily test positivity rate for COVID-19 rose to 10.71 percent on Monday, the highest rate since testing began early in the pandemic, while hospitalizations have risen to their highest level since January. Governor Ned Lamont said the state is working to distribute millions of rapid tests and N95 masks in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.