Maria Horn

National Nurses’ Day took place earlier this week, at a time when we should be honoring the commitment and skill of nurses and the many ways they deliver care to their patients every single day.  Thank you for caring for all of us, not just your patients, but their fragile and grieving families, particularly at a time when you have had to serve both as healthcare providers and as surrogate family to so many.  We carry you in our hearts, and must make sure that care is reflected in the workplace protections you deserve.

My Aunt Peggy was a nurse in a nursing home in Pennsylvania, and I am still deeply indebted to the nurses and nurses’ assistants who cared for my mother with dignity and love at the end of her life, and I wanted to give a shout out to Noble Horizons, a senior care, rehabilitation and retirement community in Salisbury, for recently earning national recognition with a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the second straight quarter. CMS utilizes three  standards of care when calculating their star ratings: staffing, the quality of care, and data collected from health inspections. Noble Horizons excelled in all three categories, and, most importantly, in how much time their Registered Nurses dedicate to each resident on a daily basis.  Congratulations to all the staff there for this recognition. 

We are entering a data-heavy phase of this pandemic, particularly focused on how and when we can safely re-open our economy.  As I’ve said before, this isn’t just a matter of government regulation, it’s also a question of whether businesses, workers, and consumers feel safe.  In order to make that call, the federal and state governments need input from all of us, so I wanted to emphasize five ways for you to provide important information to government, some of which I’ve mentioned before, some of which are new (and discussed further in this newsletter):

• The 2020 Census: it is absolutely critical that each and every person living in our district be counted in the national census.  Towns in the northwest corner are averaging around a 40% completion rate, so if you haven’t already completed your census forms, please do it today. If you haven’t received census information in the mail (or if you misplaced it) you can still complete the forms online here.
• How We Feel App: this is a simple app that records just what the title says – How you are feeling overall? Do you have a fever, have you had or been exposed to COVID-19?  It takes under one minute, and requires no personal information other than your location, and it helps the state try to get ahead of any “hot spots” that could predict an outbreak of COVID-19 .  For more information, go to your app store, by clicking here.
• Region One Connectivity: As part of an effort to determine students’ access to the internet, Region One administrators are conducting a survey, adapted from a survey created by the Sharon Connect Task Force.  If you live in Region One (Salisbury, Sharon, Kent, Cornwall, Canaan/Falls Village, or North Canaan), and you haven’t already completed it, click here. 
• Small Business Reopening Survey, for business owners (described further below). 
•  Worker Sentiment Survey, for employees that will be heading back to work during the various phases of reopening (also described further below) 

I also want to wish every mother, and everyone who has one, a Happy Mother’s Day this weekend.  For those of you with mothers or grandmothers residing in nursing homes or other senior living facilities, this is a particularly difficult holiday, and I know we are all searching for ways to express love and connection.  I know that staff at these homes are thinking very creatively for how to celebrate this holiday, and for how to create ways for family to connect now, and in future weeks when restrictions may ease.  

Here’s a list of today’s topics:

• Certain regulations suspended to support major expansion of COVID-19 testing (Executive Order 7KK)
• Executive Order No. 7JJ (various topics)
• Self-employed residents seeking aid can now apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
• Governor Lamont outlines criteria for Phase 1 of reopening
• Additional $3 million in funding available for COVID-19 Business Response Program
• Department of Revenue Services extends deadlines for certain administrative protests and tax appeals
• Face coverings remain available for essential small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
• Federal approval of increased SNAP food assistance for children in school meals program
• Department of Social Services preparing Medicaid coverage for uninsured during COVID-19 public health emergency 
• Paycheck Protection Program Update
• State eyes full resumption of bottle redemption, with limited operations May 20 and full resumption by June 3
• Small business owners and workers asked to provide input on reopening efforts
• Joint federal-state task force formed to combat COVID-19 fraud in Connecticut
• Prime Time House Virtual Candle Light Vigil
• Resources for young children in a stressful and uncertain environment
• Reminder: do not delay critical medical care 

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.
 
Updated list of nursing homes and assisted living facilities with residents who have tested positive for COVID-19
 
The documents linked to below are updated lists of every nursing home and assisted living facility in Connecticut with residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, along with corresponding data regarding the number of related fatalities among residents in each facility. The data was reported to the state by each of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These lists are updated on a weekly basis.
 

**Download: Data on nursing homes in Connecticut as of May 6, 2020 **Download: Data on assisted living facilities in Connecticut as of May 6, 2020

 
Certain regulations suspended to support major expansion of COVID-19 testing
 
Governor Lamont announced Thursday that his administration is lifting certain regulations on who can order diagnostic tests to allow for a major expansion of COVID-19 testing in the state. This includes the suspension of the requirement that patients receive a referral from a physician or other prescribing medical provider (such as a physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or certified nurse practitioner) prior to being administered a COVID-19 test, and the modification of state laws and regulations in order to allow these tests to be conducted by pharmacists.
 
This will help the state in its overall goal of significantly increasing the number of people who are receiving tests, particularly for those in underserved communities or who may not have a primary care physician. Allowing the COVID-19 tests to be administered at pharmacies will increase access, especially within more populated, urban areas and facilitate increased screening of essential front-line workers.
 
The suspension of the regulation that required prior referrals for COVID-19 tests from medical providers was enacted through an implementation order that was signed by Public Health Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell. The modification of the state statute to allow pharmacists to order and administer the tests is accomplished through an executive order Governor Lamont signed Thursday.
 
Each of the state’s COVID-19 testing sites continue to require appointments be made in advance prior to arriving. There is no cost to be tested for COVID-19. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act guarantees all Americans can receive free testing. This includes those with private insurance, government insurance (Medicare, Medicare Advantage, HUSKY, VA, FEHBP, and TRICARE), and even those with no insurance.
 
Both of the orders will remain in place as needed for the duration of the declared public health and civil preparedness emergency.
 
**Download: Commissioner Coleman-Mitchell’s implementation order on COVID-19 testing without the need for a referral by a licensed practitioner
 
**Download: Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7KK
 
 
Governor Lamont signs Executive Order No. 7JJ enacting the following provisions:

1. Applicability of Executive Order No. 7S, Section 8 – Suspension of reapplication filing requirement for the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled, Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program and for the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled Freeze Tax Relief Program: Enables the state to continue benefits in the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled, Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program and for the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled Freeze Tax Relief Program without the taxpayer having to recertify eligibility.
2. Distance learning and remote testing certification for DEEP programs: Authorizes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to conduct classes and testing remotely using online methods or any other feasible means.
3. Tolling of land use and building permits: Extends the period of validity of approval or permits issued by a municipal land use agency or building official so they do not expire during the state of emergency.
4. Allowance of suspension of in-person voting requirements by members of the public for critical and time-sensitive municipal decisions: Authorizes legislative bodies of municipalities the ability to adopt or amend ordinances or resolutions deemed essential; approve, enter into, or amend existing contracts or agreements deemed essential; or option, acquire, transfer, lease, dispose, or sell any real or personal property as deemed essential without complying with any requirements for in-person approval by electors or taxpayers, including annual or special town meetings requiring votes or referenda.

Self-employed residents seeking aid can now apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
 
The Connecticut Department of Labor tannounced that it has made active the filing site so those who are self-employed can complete the necessary filing applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Those seeking to apply should visit www.filectui.com and locate the red button labeled with the PUA designation. The site will accept applications from self-employed individuals, including independent contractors and “gig” workers who have already applied through the state unemployment system and have received a determination notice in the mail.
 
To date, more than 38,000 self-employed individuals have completed the first step of the federally-required two-step process. The first step, which requires individuals to file an application on the state unemployment system, generates a determination notice that is sent by applications via mail. The notice, also known as a UC-58, notifies those eligible to file as a self-employed person that wage data is not available and disqualifies them for state benefits. Under guidelines set by the federal government, this two-step process ensures accurate accounting and integrity measures.
 
Because self-employed individuals already applied through the state unemployment system, the newly-built PUA site will have a record of a person’s state benefit ineligibility status. The PUA system requires applicants to create an account with a unique password and ID. The secure site also collects the applicant’s name, birthdate, and social security number, in addition to wage information.
 
Applicants will also be asked the date when COVID-19 impacted their employment. Federal guidelines allow this to go back to February 2, 2020. If an unemployed status goes back to retroactive weeks, the system requires applicants to provide weekly earnings through the current week filing.
 
For more information on how to apply for benefits under the PUA system, read the press release issued today by the Connecticut Department of Labor.
 
 
Governor Lamont outlines criteria for Phase 1 of reopening
 
During his daily news briefing on Thursday, Governor Lamont announced that his administration is utilizing seven criteria in its consideration for Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening efforts:

1. 14-Day decline of hospitalizations: achieved.  Note that because this is a rolling average, the one day in the past week when hospitalizations ticked up briefly did not affect the overall trend.
2. Increased testing available: the goal is to increase capacity to 42,000 tests/week – about double where we are today
   
   1. all symptomatic patients should be tested
   2. begin testing asymptomatics
   3. reduce turnaround time to under 48 hours
3. Sufficient contact tracing capacity: goal is a statewide contact tracing system.  A Microsoft platform is live, and 20 local health departments will begin a pilot next week.
4. Protect vulnerable populations: goal is to begin screening nursing homes, direct care workers, corrections staff and offenders, first responders, and at risk urban communities. 
5. Adequate healthcare capacity: achieved.  Hospitals to resume select procedures postponed due to COVID-19 capacity plans.
6. Adequate supply of PPE: goal is a 30 day supply of key PPE (masks, gloves, gowns, face coverings) in major healthcare system.  Aside from gowns, the state stockpile is now strong, and the supply chain is stabilizing
7. Appropriate workplace safeguards: goal is to create and disseminate standards and regulations for reopening businesses prior to phased reopening

 During his news briefing this afternoon, Governor Lamont and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman outlined some of the details his administration is considering for Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening plans on May 20. Documents containing guidance for businesses about those plans are currently being finalized and are anticipated to be released later Friday evening or on Saturday. As soon as those documents are ready, they will be published online at ct.gov/coronavirus and publicly noticed so that businesses can have an opportunity to review the details.

Additional $3 million in funding available for COVID-19 Business Response Program
 
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has committed an additional $3 million to the COVID-19 Business Response Program, which provides financial relief to minority-owned and women-owned small businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
 
The program, administered by the Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO), provides zero-interest lines of credit of up to $20,000 to small businesses with 20 or fewer employees. Since the program was announced last month, HEDCO has received 607 applications and 137 small businesses have been approved for $1.6 million in assistance.
 
DECD, by increasing its financial commitment from $2 million to $5 million, will more than double the number of companies receiving financial support during this difficult time. HEDCO is no longer accepting applications for the program – the additional $3 million will be directed to applications previously received.
 
Department of Revenue Services extends deadlines for certain administrative protests and tax appeals
 
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services today announced that it is extending the deadline for filing certain protests with its appellate division by 90 days. The agency also issued guidance regarding the filing of tax appeals.
 
For more information, read the press release issued today by the Department of Revenue Services.
 
Face coverings remain available for essential small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
 
The State of Connecticut is continuing to distribute free face coverings to essential small businesses with fewer than 50 employees through a partnership with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and its affiliate CONNSTEP. Eligible businesses include those defined as essential by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Federal approval of increased SNAP food assistance for children in school meals program
 
With in-person classes at all preK-12 public school facilities in Connecticut now canceled for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year, Governor Lamont announced that the state received federal approval to provide $95.5 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to children eligible for the free and reduced-price meals program. The new federal authorization boosts the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program in Connecticut by $26.2 million over the original amount that was geared toward a May 20 school reopening.
 
Authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the P-EBT program is expected to bring food benefits to about 270,000 Connecticut children who are not able to receive meals at school. All families in the 181 school districts in Connecticut participating in the federal free or reduced-price meals program are eligible to participate. This number is comprised of 162 public, charter, and magnet schools, 11 private schools, and eight residential child care institutions.
 
The Department of Social Services (DSS) estimates that it will issue approximately $46.3 million to 70,000 SNAP-eligible households and $52.2 million to 80,000 non-SNAP-eligible households for school closures dating from March 17. DSS is partnering with the Connecticut State Department of Education (SDE) on the plan approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
 
DSS estimates that SNAP benefits will be deposited in EBT accounts beginning in mid-May.  Benefits can be used any location that accepts SNAP/EBT cards. This includes farmers’ markets and direct market farms, where authorized to accept SNAP benefits. P-EBT participants will also have online access to eligible food purchases through delivery or curbside pickup, when implemented in the overall SNAP program (currently projected to begin by May 29).
 
Families do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits, as children are automatically eligible because school is not in session. The planned one-time benefit is $364.80 per child enrolled in the free and reduced-price meals program.
 
DSS and SDE will be collaborating to inform families about the P-EBT benefits and how they can be used. This will include postings on agency websites, news and social media announcements, and notification to community and school partners through emails and participation in statewide conference calls. SDE will send email blasts to school districts with pertinent information for families of children receiving free or reduced-priced meals. Additionally, for eligible households not currently participating in SNAP, DSS will provide a mailer with information about P-EBT and SNAP benefits to be included with their EBT card.
 

Department of Social Services preparing Medicaid coverage for uninsured during COVID-19 public health emergency 
 
The Connecticut Department of Social Services will provide COVID-19 testing coverage for uninsured children and adults in the HUSKY Health program as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.  This will include:
 

• Medicaid for the Uninsured/COVID-19:  Uninsured state residents of any income level may be eligible for free Medicaid coverage of COVID-19 testing and testing-related provider visits.  This new federally-funded Medicaid coverage group will cover both citizens and qualifying non-citizens for testing and testing-related provider visits incurred between March 18, 2020 and the end of the public health emergency.  HUSKY Health providers are advised to retain records regarding COVID-19 testing and testing-related provider visits for eligible individuals, starting March 18 and through the duration of the public health emergency, for purposes of Medicaid reimbursement.  The Department of Social Services expects to issue more detailed guidance on this new coverage group, including processes for enrollment and claiming, by mid-May.  At that point, individuals who received care on or after March 18 and were eligible for coverage at the time services were provided will be able to receive retroactive coverage.

 

• Emergency Medicaid for Non-Citizens/COVID-19:  Connecticut residents who meet financial eligibility requirements but do not qualify for full Medicaid due to their immigration status, including undocumented individuals, are eligible to receive Medicaid to treat an emergency medical condition.  COVID-19 testing and testing-related provider visits are emergency visits that will be covered by Emergency Medicaid.  Emergency Medicaid is not a factor in federal immigration ‘public charge’ determinations.  The Department of Social Services expects to issue more detailed guidance, including processes for enrollment and claiming for testing and testing-related services, by mid-May.  At that point, individuals who received care within the prior three months and were eligible for coverage at the time services were provided will be able to receive retroactive coverage.  HUSKY Health providers are advised that coverage for hospitalization will be handled through existing processes for Emergency Medicaid coverage

 
Paycheck Protection Program Update
 
Working closely with the Connecticut office of the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) been informed that, as of earlier this week, just over $110 billion in funding remains for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). 
 
Many Connecticut companies and non-profits have taken advantage of this program to date, with approximately 30,000 organizations approved for $2.5 billion in forgivable loans so far during this round.  
 
The PPP provides forgivable loans to small businesses and non-profits with less than 500 employees. 75% of the loan must be used for payroll expenses, with the remaining used on rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. More Information about the PPP can be found on the SBA website. 
 
Connecticut has more than 350 SBA-approved banks and credit unions that can help your organization secure this critical funding. If you do not have an existing banking relationship, you can also apply for this program through approved online lenders (fintechs) like PayPal, QuickBooks, Bluevine, Funding Circle, Kabbage, OnDeck, and Square.
 
Funding for this program will not last much longer, so any organization considering it should apply today.
 
For more information, click here.
 
State eyes full resumption of bottle redemption, with limited operations May 20 and full resumption by June 3
 
Following extensive discussion between the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and many stakeholders, retailers in Connecticut will resume bottling redemption activities on a limited basis beginning May 20, with a full resumption of operations by June 3.
 
Since March 17, DEEP has allowed retailers to temporarily suspend their redemption activities, providing them with greater flexibility to more effectively maintain and manage their store environments with a focus on product supply and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Retailers are planning to resume bottle operations on a limited basis on May 20, with a full resumption of operations by June 3. Details of the phase-in will be posted at retail locations and will likely include a daily limit on the number of containers, limited hours to facilitate cleaning, and appropriate social distancing requirements and the wearing of masks.
 
Beginning May 20, Connecticut retailers that fail to accept empty beverage containers for redemption under the law known as the “bottle bill” will once again be subject to enforcement actions by DEEP. Throughout this time, most independent bottle redemption centers in Connecticut have continued to redeem deposit containers, and some retail stores have chosen to do so as well. DEEP maintains a list of redemption centers in the state on its website.
 
It is recommended that residents check with a redemption location to ensure it is open before heading there with a collection of containers to redeem. Also, residents are asked to make sure any containers being redeemed are free of product, rinsed, and not comingled with other materials, as redemption service providers may not accept dirty containers and contaminants.
 
For more information, read the press release issued today by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
 
Small business owners and workers asked to provide input on reopening efforts
 
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman is encouraging small business owners and workers to fill out two surveys to help gather important insight on the state’s reopening efforts:
 

• The Small Business Reopening Survey is for business owners and will help understand the current status and implications of reopening
• The CT Worker Sentiment Survey will help understand how employees feel returning to the workplace

 
Both surveys were launched by the nonprofit organization AdvanceCT, which works in collaboration with the state to engage, retain, and recruit businesses and advance overall economic competitiveness in Connecticut.
 
Joint federal-state task force formed to combat COVID-19 fraud in Connecticut
 
Attorney General William Tong, U.S. Attorney John Durham, representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo today announced the formation of a joint federal-state task force combatting COVID-19-related fraud in Connecticut. The task force will investigate and prosecute a wide range of misconduct related to the pandemic, including price gouging, health care and government program fraud, consumer and small business scams, lending scams, charities fraud, and cyber fraud. Violators may be subject to civil fines and penalties, as well as state or federal criminal prosecution.
 
Connecticut residents may report COVID-19 related fraud to the task force by contacting the Office of the Attorney General via email at attorney.general@ct.gov or by calling 860-808-5318.  The Office of the Attorney General is coordinating closely with prosecutors and investigators at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Chief State’s Attorney’s Office on criminal and civil fraud cases. In addition, residents may report COVID-19 related fraud to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or by visiting www.justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.
 
For more information, read the press release issued by the joint state-federal COVID-19 fraud task force.
 
Prime Time House Virtual Candle Light Vigil
 
In honor of Mental Health Month, and in an effort to hold important rituals when we’ve lost so many opportunities for social connection, Prime Time House is re-placing their traditional Celebration of Hope & Candle Light Vigil with a virtual event.  The agency, which assists adults with mental illness in the broader Torrington area, is asking for submissions of short videos from the heart: a poem or other written material, a testimony, a piece of art you've created, a recovery story, or a few words that touch on the theme of the vigil, Healing Together. 
 
And if a video is more than you can manage, light a candle with your housemates and take a selfie.  Photos or videos should be sent to Zak Ritchie at PTH, at zritchie@primetimehouse.org., by Wednesday, May 13th.
 
Resources for young children in a stressful and uncertain environment
 
In a recent call with regional day care providers, we discussed the financially precarious situation they face: if they are able to stay open at all, they are operating at reduced capacities and adding many safety measures for the protection of both children and staff, all while maintaining a calm, steady warmth and good cheer with the young people in their care.  It’s a lot to handle, but this is a dedicated group of professionals. 
 
They shared some book recommendations for children dealing with anxiety, uncertainty, and other overpowering emotions, and I wanted to share some of those with you:

• Wemberly Worried, by Kevin Henkes
• The Lion Inside, by Rachel Bright
• The Don’t Worry Book, by Todd Parr
• You can also find a number of free printable materials, including Shubert and Sophie Stay Home at https://consciousdiscipline.com/ (scroll all the way to the bottom)

Reminder: do not delay critical medical care 
 
If you have an emergency – COVID-related or otherwise – reach out and get help.  Whether this be EMS, a primary care provider, or other specialist depending on the issue at hand and degree of emergency, reaching out to get help is important, safe, and necessary.
 
Do not delay a visit with your provider for ongoing healthcare needs. While so much focus is understandably dedicated to COVID19-related health events, we must not neglect ongoing care regimens for preexisting conditions and underlying healthcare needs. While telehealth use is an excellent and important resource, not everything can be addressed virtually. For example, an echocardiogram must be administered through an in-person visit and could go a long way in detecting issues and potentially preventing a serious cardiac event, such as a heart attack.
 
Quality health coverage is available year-round for uninsured Connecticut residents Access Health CT is the state’s health insurance marketplace where individuals and small businesses can enroll in quality health insurance, and the only place to qualify for financial help to pay for the coverage. If you lost your health insurance - you may qualify for coverage in a Qualified Health Plan through Access Health CT at any time of the year.

• If you experience a “qualifying life event” like losing coverage due to job change/loss, aging off your parents’ plan, moving to Connecticut, getting married, having/adopting a child, etc., apply within 60 days of the qualifying life event to be eligible outside of annual open enrollment period.

• You or your children may qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (HUSKY Health) - and you can enroll at any time of the year.

The state offers a central and easy application gateway for these health coverage options online at www.accesshealthct.com (24/7) or by calling 1-855-805-4325 during business hours. 
 
Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state’s CTAlert notification system
 
Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
 
Providing information to Connecticut residents
 
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.
 
Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access. It intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.