Measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 are being taken by the company that owns 14 assisted living homes in Connecticut where 56 residents have died from the coronavirus.  In a statement released Wednesday to Hearst Connecticut Media, a spokeswoman for Benchmark Senior Living said it wants to increase the availability of COVID-19 testing for workers and residents.  The company reportedly started to prepare for COVID-19 in February, before ther were any confirmed cases, including reducing group activities and trips offsite.  At least 48 residents at Ridgefield Crossing have testing positive for COVID-19, including 22 who have died.  18 employees have also contracted coronavirus.  The statement said Benchmark has increased pay for workers at facilities where there have been outbreaks.  Some residents who tested negative have temporarily been moved to a hotel.