Bob Godfrey

As you've probably heard, the first death in Connecticut, due to complications from COVID-19 (coronavirus), was reported on Wednesday. 

The man was in his 80s and had recently been admitted to Danbury Hospital for treatment. He was a resident of an assisted living facility in Ridgefield.

As Governor Lamont eloquently stated: “We know that people of an advanced age and in certain conditions are among the most at risk of this disease, however I urge everyone in Connecticut – regardless of age or condition – to take an active role in doing their part to reduce the spread of this virus throughout our communities so we can protect one another.”

Some good news...

Nuvance Health received approval from the Connecticut Department of Public Health to open its second COVID-19 drive-through collection site for pre-screened people suspected of having COVID-19. The second site is located at Norwalk Hospital in the parking lot at the intersection of Stevens Street and Elmcrest Terrance.
 
The Danbury Hospital site that opened March 16 is located at 95 Locust Avenue, Danbury, CT, 06810. The entrance is at the corner of Osborne Street and Locust Avenue.
 
Both collection sites are now available for pre-screened people suspected of having COVID-19 to give a specimen sample for a test. These are not testing sites. Testing is done offsite and results are not immediately available. The collection site is ONLY for people who meet ALL of following criteria:

You called your doctor’s office and had a consultation
 
·       Based on your symptoms and other information you provided, your doctor determined that you meet criteria for COVID-19 testing, and ordered a test for you
 
·       You have a scheduled appointment at the collection site
 
We established the collection sites to reduce possible exposure to COVID-19 at our medical practices and hospitals, and to the residents in our communities.
 
To see all of the criteria and the process for scheduling an appointment at the drive-through site, visit www.westernconnecticuthealthnetwork.org/novel-coronavirus-covid19-update/covid19-collection-site-information<http://www.westernconnecticuthealthnetwork.org/novel-coronavirus-covid19-update/covid19-collection-site-information>

Nonessential Surgeries

As we navigate the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreaks in our communities, our clinical decisions are guided by what is best for our patients and their families, our staff members and our communities. Because it is difficult to know if a person is infected with COVID-19 until a test confirms it, we have made the decision to postpone nonessential procedures and surgeries. Initially, this policy will remain in effect until April 1 and will be reassessed on a weekly basis. The surgeon’s office will call patients to tell them if their surgery will be postponed.

Reminders:
 
Visitor Policy

To continuously ensure a healthy and safe environment for patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, effectively immediately, no visitors are allowed at any Nuvance Health hospital or facility until further notice. Exceptions apply. Please see the full visitor policy here: www.westernconnecticuthealthnetwork.org/novel-coronavirus-covid19-update/visitation-policy<http://www.westernconnecticuthealthnetwork.org/novel-coronavirus-covid19-update/visitation-policy>

COVID-19 Community Hotline

Nuvance Health established a COVID-19 Community Hotline. Medical staff will answer your questions and address your concerns. They will also provide remote screenings if you think you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include cough, fever, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, and travel and possible exposure history. If you meet the clinical criteria for possible infection with COVID-19, the medical staff will help you with next steps. Phone number: 888-667-9262. Hours of operation: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week.

The COVID-19 pandemic is grabbing ahold of every part of our lives. Home, school, work have all been turned on their head.  If your ability to work has been impacted, the state Department of Labor has put together a helpful list of FAQ's.

How do I apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits or get more information about the process and requirements?

• Please go to www.filectui.com

Do I need any paperwork from my employer before I can file for unemployment benefits?

• Do not delay filing your claim for unemployment benefits even if your employer has not issued you any paperwork. It is important to file as soon as you become unemployed to avoid being denied benefits.
• For faster processing of your claim, please have your employer’s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.How can I contact the Department of Labor for questions related to my claim?
• You should first visit our Online Assistance Center at www.filectui.com
• We also offer Live Chat on www.filectui.com for questions concerning unemployment compensation, including the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the program.
• You may also submit your general question to dol.webhelp@ct.gov. A response can be expected in 3 to 5 business days, depending on volume.

 

• If I need to take time off from work because I come down with COVID-19 and have no paid time off through my employer, can I collect unemployment benefits? If I get terminated from my job because I come down with COVID-19 can I collect unemployment benefits?
• You may file for unemployment benefits and a determination will be made concerning your eligibility. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. However, please note that an individual must be physically able and available for full time work in order to qualify for unemployment benefits.
• For faster processing of your claim, please have your employer’s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.
• Your employer should provide you with an Unemployment Separation Package, found here, but do not delay filing if you do not have it. 

My employer is requiring that I self-quarantine for 14 days even though I am not sick, and I am not getting paid. Can I collect unemployment benefits? My employer closed its doors and is requiring all employees to stay home for 14 days. My employer does not offer teleworking, and we are not getting paid. Can I collect unemployment benefits?

• You may file for unemployment benefits and a determination will be made concerning your eligibility. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• For faster processing of your claim, please have your employer’s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.
• Your employer should provide you with an Unemployment Separation Package, found here, but do not delay filing if you do not have it.

I am unable to work because of a family member’s illness. Can I collect unemployment benefits?

• If you are unable to work, you are most likely ineligible for UI until you are able to work. However, you may file for unemployment benefits and a determination will be made concerning your eligibility. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• For faster processing of your claim, please have your employer’s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.
• Your employer should provide you with an Unemployment Separation Package, found here if you do not have it.

If my employer only permits me to work part-time rather than my full-time hours, will I be able to collect unemployment benefits? If I have a full time and part time job and my full-time employer closes because of COVID-19, will I be able to collect while still working part time?

• You should file for benefits as you may be eligible for partial unemployment. Please note: when working and filing, all hours and gross earnings must be reported. A portion of your gross earnings will be deducted from your weekly benefit rate.

My employer may have retaliated against me because I filed for unemployment benefits. Is there any recourse?

Yes. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against individuals who have exercised their rights under the Connecticut Unemployment Compensation Act. Conn. Gen. Stat. §31-226a provides individuals who believe that they have been retaliated against with an opportunity for a hearing. 

Finally, Governor Lamont's full press release from Wednesday and an in-depth look at the updates can be found by clicking the link below: