Cristin McCarthy Vahey

This morning I finally got to my Sunday New York Times and I broke down as I read the obituary section. We have lost 18 of our fellow Fairfielders, 868 here in Connecticut and 28,383 throughout our nation. My heart breaks when I think about the loss of life and the many layers of grief surrounding this pandemic. I know that so many of you are struggling.

My hope is that the information I provide can be a resource for you as we go through these difficult days together. I look forward to the days ahead when my updates to all of you are not about this virus, but other legislative business. We will get there. Meanwhile, thank you for continuing to be a part of our collective effort to beat back this virus and provide, as the Governor said today, a bridge to a time when we have a vaccine. #StayHome #StaySafe #SaveLives

Mask Wearing

• Today the Governor announced that within the next 48 hours he expects to put forth an Executive Order regarding wearing of masks. For now, he is advising residents to wear a mask when entering stores. In addition, there will be specific guidance for employers.
• A reminder that the N95 and surgical masks need to be saved for our first responders. The Governor encourages residents to use simple cloth masks.
• Here are some tips about how NOT to wear a mask
• My fellow Fairfield CARES member, and our Fairfield Health Department Educator, Santina Jaronko has a video demonstrating how to wear your mask. Take the two minutes to check it out so that you can be as safe as possible.

Unemployment Insurance News

In his daily update today, Governor Lamont had good news for those waiting on an unemployment claim.

• A software improvement at the Connecticut Department of Labor will speed up unemployment claims. Wait period will be shortened to one week or less beginning next week.
• Department of Labor expects that the $600 / week additional payment will begin to be processed also beginning next week.
• The new benefit program for self-employed individuals and independent contractors begins April 30.
• Despite the delay in processing, the payments will be retroactive.
• The department encourages people to use the automated/ temporary shutdown system and enter direct deposit information in order to expedite payment.

Here's a link to information on unemployment eligibility in Connecticut.

Access Health Deadline

• Access Health CT's recently extended deadline is coming to an end this Friday
• Anyone who enrolls during this extension period will receive coverage effective May 1
• The only way to sign up for this special enrollment period is by calling 1-855-365-2428
• Individuals who lose coverage due to unemployment, experience certain other qualifying life events, or qualify for Medicaid/Children’s Health Program (CHIP), can always enroll online.

For more information, read the press release by Access Health CT.

Economic Impact Payment

Those who have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return but have not provided their direct deposit information to the IRS, you can do so now in order to expedite receipt of your payment, click here.

Insurance Information

• A new, free $25,000 three year life insurance policy is being offered by Mass Mutual to all who work at licensed hospitals, urgent care centers and EMS. This includes not only nurses and doctors, but security and custodial personnel, and anyone else whose jobs may involve occupational exposure. More information and the application can be found here.
• Many auto insurers will be returning funds to customers based on the decrease in travel. Reach out to your provider for more information.