Fairfield COVID-19 Updates and Resources

May 7, 2020
Earlier today our community learned of the sad news that we had lost a teen-aged member of our community. In this moment of grief, we turn to one another for support and ask for prayers and loving thoughts for the family and friends. As I have reminded you often, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, here are a few community and statewide resources I have shared with you before and will continue to share throughout this month:
  • Hero Hotline 1(888) 217-HERO (4370): As part of Community Health Resources’ Zero Suicide initiative, they’ve released the new Hero Hotline 1(888) 217-HERO (4370) for people like you and other Frontline workers and their families and friends. The Hero Hotline is staffed 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and will connect callers to a trained professional, and refer them to resources for ongoing care and support. Click here for the flyer.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: In Crisis call 1(800) 273-TALK (8255) or 211 in CT or Crisis Text Line: Text CT to 741741; In an Emergency Call or Text 911
  • National Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1(800) 985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746
  • Talk It Out Line: 1(833) 528-5011

Please join me tomorrow, along with Fairfield’s First Selectwoman and the entire Fairfield delegation to discuss a number of topics. Questions can be sent in ahead of time to the e-mail on the flyer below.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – Self-Employed Portal Now Available

For those of you who have already received your UC-58 form, step two is now available. The portal is up.
 
If you’re self-employed and have not yet filed for Unemployment Insurance, the federal rules state you must file first through Connecticut’s unemployment system to receive a denial. The denial then qualifies you for federal unemployment. Click here to get started on the CT Department of Labor website. If you’re self-employed and filed a claim application, you don’t need to file again. Click here for the latest guidelines on the PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) application process.
Reopen CT Barber Shops and Hair Salons - Discussion

We have had many questions about hair and nail salons and how they can open safely. Friday's discussion will focus on these topics, addressing the Barbering and Cosmetology industries. The Town Hall will host community and industry leaders on their work with key agencies to reopen in a way that ensures, in every way possible, the safety of the owner/worker, their clients, and the general public. Join the Facebook event here.
Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) Update
 
The State Department of Economic and Community Development sent this update about the PPP plan. Bottom line is, if you are a small business and have not applied already, do so ASAP.
 
“We’ve been working closely with the Connecticut office of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and have been informed that 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. I encourage you to apply today.” 


 
Previous COVID-19 Updates: