Josh Elliott

Governor Lamont Provides Update On Connecticut’s Coronavirus Response Efforts (Latest Data as of 4:00PM on Friday, May 22, 2020)

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

A county-by-county breakdown includes:

County	Laboratory-Confirmed Cases	Hospitalizations	Deaths
Fairfield County	14,889	226	1,195
Hartford County	9,463	184	1,155
Litchfield County	1,298	6	121
Middlesex County	992	28	135
New Haven County	10,756	272	888
New London County	910	21	72
Tolland County	796	0	55
Windham County	348	3	14
Pending address validation	188	0	2
Total	39,640	740	3,637

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, click here.

Connecticut farmers impacted by COVID-19 eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program funding

Governor Lamont, Congressman Joe Courtney, and state Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt are encouraging Connecticut farmers and producers who have been impacted by COVID-19 to sign up and receive financial assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which was authorized by Congress through the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The program, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief nationwide, is available for producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs. Eligible commodities include: non-specialty crops, wool, livestock, dairy, and specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and mushrooms). USDA will consider additional crops to be eligible for the program by collecting information on potentially eligible crops, including aquaculture, nursery, and cut flowers.

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications beginning May 26. While offices are open by phone appointment only, the department will be working with agricultural producers by phone and using email and online tools to process applications. For additional program details, including eligibility, applications, a payment calculator, and a list of locations of the nearest FSA offices, click here.

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

Connecticut Department of Labor awarded $2.33 million federal grant to create disaster relief jobs, employment and training services

The Connecticut Department of Labor has been awarded a $2.33 million federal grant to create temporary disaster relief jobs for dislocated workers and other eligible individuals, along with employment training services and any necessary supports. The Disaster Recovery National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant was awarded to assist the state as it continues to respond to the challenges resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.

State Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby said that the grant will be used to address critical needs resulting from the public health emergency that has impacted every part of the state, including the unprecedented surge in unemployed individuals, the public health crisis straining health care infrastructure, and the increased demand for workers in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance jobs.

The agency expects the disaster relief jobs to fall into three job categories: cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting public facilities; delivering medicine food, or other supplies to quarantined individuals and vulnerable populations; and health care support jobs to assist with sick and vulnerable individuals.

The Connecticut Department of Labor will partner with the state’s five regional workforce development boards and their employer partners to implement these programs. The five boards are Capital Workforce Partners, Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, The WorkPlace, and Workforce Alliance.

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Connecticut Department of Labor.

Memorial Day is a moment where we remember and honor those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, parades and other public events have been canceled. However, there are still safe ways to honor those who gave their life for our country. Check out this Hartford Courant article for some ideas.

I want to thank our veterans for their devoted service to defending our great nation. Even during these trying times, it's important that we take a moment on Memorial Day to show them our love and gratitude.