Covid-19 Comprehensive Info-Guide

April 1, 2020

It has been another jam-packed week of ever-changing information from our local, state, and federal partners as the COVID-19 health crisis continues to permeate almost every part of our daily lives. We know that it can be overwhelming, so please, first and foremost, focus on yourself and those within your care. As a good friend and colleague likes to remind us: “You must put the oxygen mask on yourself first. Otherwise, what good are you to anyone else?”

Luckily, most of us have our feet placed firmly on the ground as we continue to practice social-distancing and some form of self-isolation and/or quarantine. Is this an ideal situation? No. But if we want to flatten the curve and return to some semblance of our normal lives, IT IS WHAT WE MUST DO.

We will continue to be a resource for you and provide up-to-date information. If there are any issues or concerns that we have not covered, please let us know and we will do our best to provide you with answers. Feel free to email me at Lucy.Dathan@cga.ct.gov or call my office at home at 860-240-1479. We will get through this together.

In response to COVID-19, below you will find an updated guide to the following resources. Sections that are entirely new or have been substantially updated from my last E-blast are bold:

Federal COVID Stimulus Package

Late Friday afternoon the president signed the $2 trillion CARES Act. This federal stimulus package provides financial support to hospitals, laid off workers, small businesses and nonprofits, and more to mitigate the negative impacts caused by COVID-19.

Download a section-by-section summary of the bill here.

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development published this guide to the CARES Act for small businesses. And Senator Murphy's office gave us this guide:

Governor Lamont's Update

The most up to date information on what CT is doing can always be found at ct.gov/coronavirus

Governor Lamont has been providing daily updates on the state of Coronavirus in our state. You can watch his daily briefings here, or on my Facebook page where they are streamed. You can read the Governor's executive orders here, and read his full updates here.

The latest guidance from the Governor is as follows:

  • Stay Safe, Stay Home: The Governor signed an executive order directing Connecticut residents to "Stay Safe, Stay Home." It orders all nonessential businesses statewide to prohibit in-person functions. This remains in effect until April 22, unless modified. Guidance has been issued to the state's businesses.
  • Travelers: Any person coming into Connecticut by any mode of transportation for any reason is strongly urged to self-quarantine for 14 days.
  • Gatherings: All social and recreational gatherings of more than 5 people are prohibited. This includes things such as sports, parades, concerts, festivals, live performances, and conventions. Religious, spiritual, and worship gatherings of more than 50 are prohibited. This remains in effect through April 30, unless modified.
  • Food establishments: Restaurants and bars that serve food are required to provide take-out and delivery services for off-premise consumption only. These establishments must limit entrance of customers to the minimum extent necessary to pick up and/or pay for orders, and use touchless payment if available. This order remains in effect through April 30, unless modified.
  • Retail establishments: Stores that are permitted to stay open under the "Stay Safe, Stay Home" executive order must limit occupancy to allow for six-foot distancing between all people, including in payment lines. They must also use touchless payment if available.
  • Gyms, movie theaters, hair and nail salons: All gyms, fitness centers, and similar sports venues; theaters and cinemas; and hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, spas, and tattoo parlors are closed until April 30, unless modified.
  • Schools: Classes at all public schools are canceled through April 20, unless modified.

Subscribe to the Governor's Email Updates

There is a fact sheet on the state’s response to COVID-19 that provides guidance for concerns you may have. Click here to see the FAQ Sheet.

The sheet will be updated regularly, and is available on the state's coronavirus website. Click here to visit the Connecticut Coronavirus website.

Volunteer or Donate

Governor Lamont recently announced the creation of Charity Connection (4-CT) to connect necessary statewide programs. Foodbanks are in dire need of donations. Go to www.4-ct.org to make a donation or submit an idea for solutions.

I want to give a large thank you to Norwalk Community College who donated their extra nursing supplies to Norwalk Hospital. Donations included masks, gloves, gowns and other small supplies! If you know other businesses or nonprofits that have PPE that they can donate please encourage them to do so.

Donate PPE:
There is also a need for personal protective equipment for medical workers at hospitals and long-term care facilities. This includes:

  • N95 Respirators
  • Face Masks/Surgical Masks
  • Face Shields
  • Surgical Gowns
  • Gloves (nitrile, or non-latex)
  • Thermometers
  • Thermometer Covers (if applicable to type of thermometer)
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Other Medical Items

The public, businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations may donate these items through the Connecticut United Way/211. To donate to the state's supply for distribution in medical facilities, fill out the form here.

Volunteer Your Medical Services:
The state is also asking for retired healthcare professionals to volunteer their services during this emergency. To sign up visit CTResponds.ct.gov.

Do you have a background in medical care? You can contact your local health department. Locate your local health department here.

If you are a nurse, you can register to volunteer through the Connecticut Nurses Association web site: www.CTNurses.org/coronavirus

Donate Blood:
Our country and state are facing a blood shortage, and the American Red Cross is asking for those who are able and willing to donate blood. To allow for social distancing, donors can call the Red Cross at 1-800-Red-Cross to make an appointment. Interested individuals can also make an appointment using the Red Cross web site, here, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Download it here.

Other Volunteer Opportunities:
AARP Community Connections is a new online platform launched by AARP Innovation Labs to allow users to organize and find local volunteer groups to help with groceries, provide financial assistance, or lend emotional support to neighbors, friends and loved ones. Across the country, these informal online groups help communities stay connected at a time when people must practice social distancing to stay safe. This is a FREE service. You can read more here.

Mortgage Payment Relief

Relief is on the way for Connecticut mortgage holders economically impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Lamont administration has come to an agreement with over 50 banks and credit unions to offer mortgage relief to state residents and businesses who continue to face hardship due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

We recognize many of you may be renting apartments and homes. We will have relief information as it becomes available. In the meantime, our FAQ for renters regarding protections and more can be found on the Connecticut Fair Housing Center website here.

The relief policies being offered by participating financial institutions include:

  • 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments: Participating financial institutions are now offering mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days, which will allow homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. In addition, the institutions will:
    • Provide a streamlined process for requesting forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
    • Confirm approval and terms of forbearance program; and
    • Provide the opportunity to extend forbearance agreements if faced with continued hardship resulting from COVID-19.
  • Relief from fees and charges for 90 days: For at least 90 days, participating financial institutions will waive or refund mortgage-related late fees and other fees including early CD withdrawals.
  • No new foreclosures for 60 days: Financial institutions will not start any foreclosure sales or evictions.
  • No credit score changes for accessing relief: For those taking advantage of this COVID-19-related relief, late or missed payments will not be shared with credit reporting agencies.

The list of financial institutions participating can be found on the Department of Banking website which will maintain an updated list here.

Answers to many questions about the relief agreement can be found by clicking the button below.

Questions and Answers on Connecticut's COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Agreement

Resources For Homeowners & Renters

Condominiums, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives face unique challenges related to COVID-19. The Community Associations Institute has a resource center to help these stakeholders and residents address issues and challenges they are facing. Find that resource here.

The CAI is also offering the following FREE resources:

The state also has several resources for homeowners, renters, and property managers/owners:

Connecticut Judicial Branch:

  • The CT Judicial Branch has rescheduled all April and May foreclosure sales to June 6, 2020;
  • The judgement in any foreclosure matter set to run in April or May is now set for June 2, 2020;
  • There is an immediate stay of all issued executions on evictions and ejectments through May 1, 2020;
  • For more updates, click here.

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority Guidance to:

CT Dept. of Banking guidance to Connecticut Residential Mortgage Servicers

CT Fair Housing Center is working to address fair housing impacts related to COVID-19. You can find information on the CT Fair Housing Center web site here. If you have questions about fair housing protections, or believe you are experiencing housing discrimination, call the Center at (860)247-4400 or the toll free number (888)247-4401 or email the Center at info@ctfairhousing.org.

Fannie Mae Assistance Options: There are mortgage relief options for homeowners with Fannie Mae. Click here to see the assistance available to you for your Fannie Mae loan.

Housing Information & Resources

Organizations like Journey Home are working collaboratively with state agencies, local health departments, health care providers, and municipalities to ensure region shelters understand the protocol on how to contact hospitals and health departments if someone develops symptoms of COVID-19.

The state Department of Housing is working with shelters to provide updates and information through the duration of the declared Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergency. DOH is holding calls at least twice a week for shelter providers, and are working to create more shelter space. You can read the DOH Commissioner's March 12 memo to homeless shelter providers here.

President of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, Mark Ojakian, announced dorm space at some state universities will be converted temporarily to house homeless individuals.

Those who may be experiencing homelessness or are in a housing emergency can find immediate assistance by calling 2-1-1 and press #3 and #1.

Additional information:

Insurance Resources

  • If you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus but don't have health insurance or a primary care doctor, call 2-1-1. A number of hospitals have set up hotlines, which you can find using the CT Hospital Association COVID-19 Update Center, here.
  • There are 21 drive-through test sites in Connecticut. Find one near you here.
  • The Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner has called upon all Connecticut insurers to provide customers with a 60-day grace period to pay their premiums. You can read more about it here.
  • The Insurance Commissioner has also called on car and motorcycle insurers to extend coverage for personal delivery drivers to ensure they have adequate protection while using their personal vehicle or motorcycle to deliver food and medicine. Read more here.

Mental Health Resources

Taking care of your mental health is critical during this time. Our daily routines have been interrupted and we may be having some, or a lot, of anxiety. There seems to be new information and messages each day with not enough time to process it. If you need support, the resources are out there. I hope some of the ones I've included below are helpful.

Education Resources

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system will credit student accounts for unused room and board rates. Thereafter, any credit balance will be refunded to students.

Each institution is reaching out to students about the timeline and procedures. Click here to read more.

Employees for CSCU have been directed to telework and are receiving their regular pay. Student workers will continue to be paid through the end of the semester.

Nearly every internet provider in Connecticut has signed onto the FCC's Keep Americans Connected Pledge to ensure residential and commercial consumers keep their internet connection.

Read the list of participating providers here.

Public school closures in Connecticut are extended until April 20th. To help parents and caregivers navigate this challenging time Connecticut Children's has compiled The Ultimate School Closure Toolkit. This toolkit has information on how to keep kids engaged in at-home learning, safety tips for leaving children home alone, and other helpful resources. Find it here.

Earlier this week, Governor Lamont announced the second philanthropic donation to help school districts with remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indra and Raj Nooyi have pledged to donate high-quality reading and writing instruction books from Scholastic for students in Pre-K through 8th grade to take home. You can read more about the announcement here.

The first philanthropic donation was from the Partnership for Connecticut, which announced it will donate 60,000 laptops to high schoolers in some of the state's 33 Alliance School Districts.

To distribute these donations, the Governor and State Department of Education (SDE) Commissioner Miguel Cardona are creating the Governor's COVID-19 Learn from Home Task Force. This task force will be comprised of superintendents from around the state and representatives from the Governor's office and SDE.

Additional Resources:

Food Resources

Click here for the latest update from Norwalk Public Schools.

Food delivery services have been postponed, and food will need to picked up until further notice. Meals for student ages 2-18 may now be picked up at 10 food centers across the city (see below) from 12 noon to 2 pm, Monday through Friday.

At these locations, families will have the option to “drive through” or walk up. For the health and safety of both families and staff, we will require that everyone maintain “social distancing,” meaning 6 feet of physical space between you and a non-family member. Crossing guards and security guards will be available to assist.

Pick up Locations for Student Meals Beginning Monday, March 30.

Monday – Friday, 12 noon to 2 pm.

SCHOOL SITES

  • Brien McMahon High School, 300 Highland Avenue
  • Jefferson Elementary School, 75 Van Buren Avenue
  • Kendall Elementary School, 57 Fillow Street
  • Marvin Elementary School, 16 Calf Pasture Beach Road
  • Ponus Ridge Middle School, 21 Hunters Lane
  • Nathan Hale Middle School,176 Strawberry Hill Avenue
  • Tracey Magnet School, 20 Camp Street

COMMUNITY SITES

  • Ben Franklin Community Center, 165 Flax Hill Road
  • Carver Community Center, 7 Academy Street
  • Nathaniel Ely Center (Maritime Odyssey Preschool), 11 Ingalls Avenue

Resources for Families

The state Office of Early Childhood recognizes that early childhood programs, including licensed family child care homes, child care centers, and group homes are small businesses. If your child care program is negatively impacted by COVID-19, please see the below resources for small businesses and other employers.

Essential workers may not be able to stay home from work during this emergency. Healthcare workers or first responders who need child care services can call the 2-1-1 dedicated number 860-756-0864.

Additional Resources for Child Care:

Assistance From Banks & Credit Unions

Credit unions and other banking institutions are here to help and many in our state are stepping up to help customers modify their loans, provide short-term bridge loans, establish crisis accounts for those most at risk, and more.

To see what the Credit Union League of Connecticut is doing for businesses and residents in our state, click here.

Find a Credit Union

Dept. of Corrections & Re-Entry Information

Department of Corrections Updates

Reentry Information:

The CT Reentry Collaborative has a number of resources for those who may be reentering their community after incarceration. You can find helpful information about the resources available to you while you transition to your community during this time here.

This source contains updates from state agencies like the Department of Labor, Department of Social Services, accessing phone and internet services, legal services, health care, transportation and more.

Resources for Veterans

VA Health & Hospital System

CT Federal VA Hospital system Guidelines:

  • If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call your VA medical center before going to a clinic, urgent care center, or emergency room. Calling first helps us protect you, medical staff, and other patients. Call 1-866-808-7921 or CALL YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR
  • Testing for VA Patients is by appointment only through the Veteran’s Primary Care Provider.
  • Out of safety for our Veterans and Staff there are no visitors allow (exceptions are case by case)
  • No one under 18-years-old will be permitted at the community clinics, Newington campus, West Haven campus or Herrera Center.
  • They have begun screening all patients, staff, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors for signs of respiratory illness and COVID-19
  • Vets Centers (mental health and counseling) are still open.
  • The VA compensation and pensions claims (and appeals) has not been affected.
  • Pharmacy window service will be for emergency medication only. All other medication will be mailed out. Emergency medication includes those ordered for post-surgical procedures, by the Emergency Room or discharge medication. Refill by phone (888-440-6580 or 203-937-4960); online at www.myhealth.va.gov; or mail in the refill form included with your last prescription.
  • The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) transportation network have suspended services, but transportation voucher for LYFT or UBER may apply - ask at time of appointment.
  • The ER is still open-but for COVID-19 cases, see bullet above. 
  • Telehealth is being encouraged and used whenever possible.  Call your PCP for more information.
  • Valet parking at the West Haven campus is suspended. Parking attendants will be available to direct vehicles.

State Department of Veterans Affairs - DVA:

  • Admissions at the DVA Skilled Nursing Facility and Residential Program has been suspended with the exception of referrals from federal or state VA care partners.
  • Visitation is prohibited to both the DVA Skilled Nursing Facility and Residential Program except for humanitarian end of life situations.
  • Telehealth is implemented for DVA Veteran Residents and Patients where possible.
  • In addition to a broad range of enhanced health and safety protocols, all Veterans at the DVA are being screened and temp checked on a regular rotating basis. DVA Staff is also being screened and temp checked at the beginning of their shifts.
  • The DVA has established an internal isolation protocol in its Residential Facility.

For more information regarding CT DVA COVID-19 response visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DVA

Resources for Seniors

Long-term care facilities across Connecticut have implemented visitor restrictions. You can read more about this order here.

AARP will host FREE, national Tele-Town Halls on the coronavirus every Thursday at 1 p.m. To join the live event on Thursdays, call 855-274-9507.

Watch previous Tele-Town Halls here.

Resources for Workers

Are you having difficultly filing for unemployment? The state Department of Labor has a guide of Frequently Asked Questions for those who may have general questions about filing for unemployment.

Read The Guide Here

To file or get more information about the unemployment process and requirements, please go to www.filectui.com with your personal computer, tablet or Smartphone.

If you have questions during the process, FileCT.com has a live chat feature so you can speak with a representative if you have questions about unemployment compensation, including the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the program.

You can also submit your general questions to dol.webhelp@ct.gov. You should expect a response in 3 to 5 days.

Additional Resources:

Resources for Employers

For some small businesses sales and occupancy tax payments can be deferred to May to provide you some administrative relief during this time. Click here for more information, and to determine if you qualify:

The state Department of Revenue Services has extended the deadline for the below businesses tax returns:

  • 2019 Form CT-1065/CT-1120 SI Connecticut Pass-Through Entity Tax Return: Filing date extended to April 15, 2020; payment deadline extended to June 15, 2020
  • 2019 Form CT-990T Connecticut Unrelated Business Income Tax Return: Filing date extended to June 15, 2020; payment deadline extended to June 15, 2020

Call DRS at 860-297-5962 if you have questions, or email the department. DRS also has a frequently asked questions page here.

Additional Resources:

Resources for Nonprofits

Last week Gov. Lamont, his staff, and seven state agency leaders held a conference call with The Alliance and 300 community nonprofits. The call focused on state and federal funding for nonprofits, disaster relief loans and grants, infection control for clients and staff, and more.

A recording of the call is available here.

The Alliance has a resource page for nonprofits that require assistance during this time. You can find it here.

Resources for Consumers

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has put together some tools to help you detect scam emails, calls and texts and ensure charities are on the up-and-up.

If someone is claiming they have a cure or vaccine for COVID-19, they are lying to you. You should stick with the experts at the CT Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). AARP (www.aarp.org/coronavirus) and the Connecticut Attorney General's office are also great resources if you are worried about COVID-19 scams.

More information and resources about targeted scams:

Minimizing Exposure

The Governor announced this past week that the tax on single-use checkout bags has been temporarily suspended.

To ensure our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed, we must take appropriate precautions, like practicing social distancing, to limit the spread of the virus.

The best way to avoid coronavirus and other illness is to avoid exposure.

  • Practice social distancing
  • Work from home if possible
  • Avoid large gatherings and crowded public spaces
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • If unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • If you are over 60 years of age or have a chronic illness, limit the amount of time you spend in public and avoid large crowds if possible 
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

If you begin experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider. There at least 21 drive-through test sites in Connecticut. Find one near you here. To be tested you must have a doctor's note.

I'm Sick. What Do I Do?

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and feel you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, don’t panic. Please stay home and call your doctor. Please do not go to a doctor’s office or emergency department in person without calling ahead and speaking to a health care provider.

Call Centers/Collection Sites

Several call centers and specimen collection sites are in operation around the state. At most call centers, medical staff can answer your questions, provide remote screenings if you think you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and help you with next steps if you meet the clinical criteria for possible infection with COVID-19.

  • Nuvance Health COVID-19 Community Hotline: 888-667-9262; open daily, 8 am - 6 pm (Nuvance Health COVID-19 page includes Frequently Asked Questions about testing.)
  • Murphy Medical Associates (with multiple testing locations) https://coronatestct.com/
  • Stamford Hospital Call Center: 203-276-4111; open daily, 7 am - 7 pm
  • Yale New Haven Health Call Center: 203-ASK-YNHH; open daily, 7 am - 7 pm

If you are sick, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following:

  • Stay home if you are mildly ill with COVID-19, and do not leave EXCEPT to receive medical care
  • Stay in touch with your doctor, and call before you get medical care. If your symptoms become worse, or believe it is an emergency, seek medical attention
  • If you are sick, ensure you wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter your healthcare provider's office
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the used tissue in a trash can
  • Wash your hands for AT LEAST 20 seconds. Can't wash your hands? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
  • Disinfect high-touch surfaces, bathroom, your or the sick person's room

Emergency Warning Signs - Seek Medical Attention if:

  • You have difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in your chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing these symptoms and notify the operator that you have or may have COVID-19.

When to End Home Isolation if you will not be tested:

  • You have had no fever for at least 3 full days without using fever reducing medicine AND
  • Other symptoms have improved AND
  • At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared

When to End Home Isolation if you will be tested:

  • You no longer have a fever (without using fever reducing medicine) AND
  • Other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved AND
  • You receive 2 negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart.

If you choose to end home isolation, consult with your primary health care provider. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.

Additional Resources on what to do if you're sick and might have COVID-19:

Public Transportation

I received a from the Department of Transportation that I wanted to pass on to you about upcoming lane closures on I-95 and Route 1 to fix the bridge that carries Strawberry Street over I-95.

For about the next three weeks on weekdays there will be lane closures on I-95 northbound between 7 AM and 3:30 PM, on I-95 southbound between 9 AM and 6 PM, and Route 1 between 7 AM and 3 PM.

You can see the full press release on the I-95 closures here and Route 1 closures here.

In Governor Lamont's latest update he mentioned that one of the few silver linings of the pandemic is that we can make some of these repairs faster and at a lower cost, as we can now close lanes without causing major traffic.

The MTA are also running at a reduced schedule as ridership has dramatically declined. You can find more information here: https://new.mta.info/coronavirus/metro-north-service

Resources for Pet Owners, Shelters & Veterinarians

For Pet Owners:

For Shelters and Veterinarians

The 2020 Census

2020 Census Video: What College Students Need to Know to Be Counted in the Right Place

With most colleges closed due to COVID-19 and many students no longer living at school, it's important that students are counted in the right place. College students who normally live at school should be counted at school even if they are temporarily somewhere else.

By now, you should have received your invitation to complete your 2020 Census form. You can fill this form out online, by phone, or by mail. To learn more about responding, click here.

It is critical that everyone in our community is counted. Data from the Census will be used to determine how billions of federal dollars will be distributed to states for hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads and more.

Census data will also be used to determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and will be used to draw our state's legislative districts.

Learn more about the Census by clicking here.

Election Update

Gov. Lamont announced Connecticut's Presidential Primary will be postponed until June 2.

  • Federal CARES Act information
  • Governor Lamont's Update
  • Opportunities to volunteer or donate
  • Resources for Homeowners and Renters
  • Mortgage Payment Relief
  • Housing Information and Resources
  • Insurance
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Education Resources
  • Food Information
  • Family Resources
  • Banks and Credit Union Assistance
  • Dept. of Corrections and Re-Entry Information
  • Resources for Veterans
  • Resources for Seniors
  • Resources for Workers
  • Resources for Employers
  • Resources for Nonprofits
  • Resources for Consumers
  • Recommendations to Minimize Exposure
  • What to do if you're sick
  • Public Transportation
  • Resources for Pet Owners
  • 2020 Census​ Election Update