Kara Rochelle

It's been a difficult few weeks, and we have seen progress in the opening of the state and local economies. As the Reopen Connecticut plan unfolds, we are going to have to remain patient and understand that these social distancing guidelines and preventative measures have been implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus. 

As businesses begin to reopen, please know that the pandemic isn't over, and stay vigilant in protecting your health as well as those around you.

In this communication you can find information on the following:

• COVID-19 Update
• Reopen CT Report Available
• COVID-19 Testing
• Tax Assistance
• Information for Individuals Who Need Health Insurance
• MIS-C Outbreak information
• Partial Operation Resume at Select Courthouses
• Spotlighting Local Excellence
• Construction Alert

COVID-19 Update

 

 

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As of Friday at 3:30 p.m., a total of 41,762 cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. Day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week. All data in this report are preliminary; data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected. For a county-by-county breakdown of cases or to view additional data, click the image above.

47th Executive Order is Signed

Today the Governor signed Executive Order No. 7TT to reduce the spread of coronavirus, help open the economy, and support health care operations. It enacts the following provisions:

• Reopening of barbershops and hair salons on June 1
• Amended prohibitions on large gatherings

Read Executive Order No. 7TT here.

46th Executive Order is Signed

Wednesday the Governor signed Executive Order No. 7SS which enacted the following:

• Permits the creation of a temporary nurse aide position to assist health care providers managing the COVID-19 pandemic and other health-related services during the pandemic.

Read Executive Order No. 7SS here.

Updated Data on Impact of COVID-19 on Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Below are updated reports regarding Connecticut's nursing homes and assisted living facilities that have reported cases of COVID-19 among their residents. The data is updated on a weekly basis.

Click here for data on Connecticut's nursing homes.

Click here for data on Connecticut's assisted living facilities.

PURA Extends Shut-Off Moratorium for Businesses Until July 1

The Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced the utility shut-off moratorium for non-residential customers in Connecticut has been extended until July 1, 2020. The separate utility shut-off moratorium for residential customers will remain in place for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency.

Both moratoriums apply to electric, natural gas, and water utilities regulated by PURA, and prohibit service terminations except in instances of public safety.

PURA is also warning customers against utility-related scams. Customers should always use caution when receiving messages relating to their utility bill. Customers should call their utility company directly with questions or concerns. Click here for more information.

Read Friday's full update here. 

For all of the emergency orders issued by the Governor and state agencies, click here. Watch the daily updates here, and read the press releases here.

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.

Reopen CT Report Available

Throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor has worked closely with health, business, workforce, and education experts to develop a strategy to reopen the state's economy cautiously and safely. The Reopen Connecticut report is now available for you to read about the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group's recommendations and implementation strategy. Download it here.

If your business was part of the first phase of Reopen CT, you must self-certify prior to reopening. This process ensures you will adhere to the strict guidelines in place to protect consumer and employee health and safety. Click here to self-certify.

Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group's Community Committee Holds Roundtable

Thursday morning the Reopen Connecticut's Advisory Group's Community Committee held a roundtable discussion on COVID-19's impact on the state's most vulnerable populations. If you missed the discussion, watch it here.

COVID-19 Testing

Connecticut residents can now easily find COVID-19 testing locations throughout the state.

By going to the United Way of Connecticut's site, 2-1-1.ct.org, you will find locations, the requirements of each testing site, hours of operation and more.

With phase 2 of reopening scheduled for June 20, boosting testing capacity is essential to public health and restoring our economy.

All individuals, with or without symptoms, can be tested but all individuals must complete a telemedicine evaluation before a test is scheduled.

As a reminder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) key symptoms of the coronavirus include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

 Prevention includes:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick

Trinity Health of New England, Charter Oak Health Center Launch Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites

Thursday state leaders and representatives from Trinity Health of New England and Charter Oak Health Center joined to announce the launch of 19 mobile COVID-19 testing sites will be opened across the state. These sites will provide COVID-19 testing for some of the most vulnerable populations, including those experience homelessness and those who do not have access to transportation. 

Click here to access the mobile test program's schedule.

Assistance for Taxpayers

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The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services is offering two forms of assistance to help residents with their taxes.

The first is the Priority One Assistance Program, which can help you or your business with an existing collection matter with DRS. Speak to a DRS representative by calling 860-541-7650 Mon-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email DRSPriorityOne_CollectionsAssist@po.state.ct.us.

The second is electronic individual income tax filing via the DRS Taxpayer Service Center (https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/TSC/TSC-Online). As you may know the deadline to file your income tax return was extended until July 15, 2020 and this online tool ensures your return is processed timely and securely. It's free and easy to use.

More information about these tax assistance forms and a FAQ page are available through DRS at ct.gov/DRS.

Information for Individuals Who Need Health Insurance

The Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate has some helpful information for individuals and families who have lost or are about to lose their health insurance. You can access that resource here.

The Office can also provide individuals and families with free, expert advice about their options. For assistance, call 866-466-4446 or email healthcare.advocate@ct.gov.

MIS-C Outbreak

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a health alert about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). MIS-C has been associated with COVID-19 and has been found in children with past COVID-19 infections.
 
Above is a list of common symptoms, but may not be complete as MIS-C is evolving. If you think your child may have MIS-C or if you have any concerns about your child, you should contact your healthcare provider.
 
Further information from the CDC is available here.

CT Judicial Branch Resumes Partial Operations at Select Courthouses

Chief Court Administrator Patrick L. Carroll III announced the Connecticut Judicial Branch will resume partial operations in 3 courthouses beginning Monday, June 8, including the Middlesex Judicial District Courthouse in Middletown, Rockville's Geographical Area No. 19 Courthouse, and the Litchfield Judicial District Courthouse in Torrington.

Throughout the duration of the pandemic, 10 courts have remained open. Aside from these 13 courts, all other courthouses will remain closed until further notices. Click here to read more and to see which courts will be open.

Spotlighting Local Excellence

The Valley Community Foundation, Valley United Way, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Valley Council for Health & Human Services have partnered to coordinate grants for the Valley Community COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. In the third round of grants, the organization has awarded more than $15,000 to Valley nonprofits that need personal protective equipment (PPE) and operational support for telehealth, virtual wellness, and remote access programming for staff on the front lines of the pandemic. Read more here.

Construction Alert

From Sunday, June 7 through June 28, line painting will occur on 1-84 eastbound and westbound at various locations from Exit 26 to Exit 8. Line painting will also be performed on Route 8 northbound and southbound at various locations from Exit 14 to Exit 45.

Motorists should expect alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. 

The current work schedule may be extended or modified as necessary due to weather delays and other unforeseen conditions. Motorists should maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity. Read more here.