COVID Resources And Information
April 1, 2020A lot of information has been thrown at you over the last week and we know at times it can be a bit overwhelming. To alleviate some of the stress of wondering where to find it all, our team has compiled some helpful information on a variety of topics below. If we have missed something, though, please reach out and we will do our best to find you a response.
In response to COVID-19, below you will find:
- Governor Lamont's Update
- Information Concerning the CARES Act
- Recommendations to Minimize Exposure
- What to do if you're sick
- Blood donations
- Volunteering opportunities
- Healthcare and Insurance Resources
- Resources for Workers
- Resources for Employers
- Resources for Consumers
- Resources for Seniors
- Food Information
- Education Resources
- Family resources
- Public Transportation
- Information for Pet Owners
- Primary Elections Update
- Crumbling Foundations Update
- Community Resources
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay Informed.
Governor Lamont's Update
The Lamont administration has put together a fact sheet on the state’s response to COVID-19 that provides guidance for constituent concerns. Click here to see the FAQ Sheet.
The sheet will be updated regularly, and is available on the state's coronavirus website. Click here to visit the Connecticut Coronavirus website.
Yesterday, March 31, Governor Lamont signed another executive order – the 19th since he enacted the emergency declarations – that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of the virus.
Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7R enacts the following provisions:
- Continuation of funding for boards of education: The order requires the Connecticut State Department of Education to continue processing appropriated state grant funds intended to support boards of education through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, including ECS grants, payments for special education, and Choice programming. It also requires municipalities to continue providing funding to local boards of education as set forth in the approved annual school budgets.
- Continuation of payment of public school staff: The order requires school districts to continue to employ, or restore to employment if already laid off, and pay school staff who are directly employed by the local or regional boards of education.
- Preservation of student transportation services and special education providers: The order requires local boards of education and municipalities to negotiate amendments to contracts related to student transportation and special education services with the goal of continuing to make payments to transportation and special education providers so they may compensate their active employees, sustain the continuity of service when school resumes, and require the contracted company to attest and provide reasonable documentation of the fact that it is charging only the actual and reasonable cost of sustaining wage and health insurance payments for active employees and fleet.
- Restrictions on entrance to state parks, forests, and other lands: In light of significant visitors to certain state parks in recent days, the order gives the commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection the authorization to ban visitors from entering state parks and other lands under the agency’s control after the property has reached a capacity adequate to supporting implementation of social distancing policies to limit the spread of COVID-19.
- Curbside pickup of alcoholic beverages permitted: The order authorizes package stores and grocery stores to permit the sale of curbside pickup of all alcoholic beverages allowed by their permit type in any space adjacent to their permit premise and during the days and hours allowed for legal sale.
You can read the Governor's executive orders here, and read his full updates here. To watch his daily briefings, click here.
CARES Act
Last week, the Senate and the House of Representative passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - a third COVID-19 relief package to help workers, families, hospitals and their staff, small businesses, and the unemployed during this crisis.
To help answer some of the many questions people have about what is in this CARES Act and how they can get assistance, Senator Chris Murphy's office created a page with frequently asked questions. The page will continue to be updated as additional resources and applications become available. Click here to visit the page.
Minimizing Exposure
To ensure our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed, we must take appropriate precautions, like practicing social distancing, to limit the spread of the virus.
The best way to avoid coronavirus and other illness is to avoid exposure.
- Practice social distancing
- Work from home if possible
- Avoid large gatherings and crowded public spaces
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
- If unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- If you are over 60 years of age or have a chronic illness, limit the amount of time you spend in public and avoid large crowds if possible
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
If you begin experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider. There are 15 drive-through test sites for people with a doctor's referral to be tested for COVID-19. Click here to read more.
I'm Sick. What do I Do?
If you are sick, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following:
- Stay home if you are mildly ill with COVID-19, and do not leave EXCEPT to receive medical care
- Stay in touch with your doctor, and call before you get medical care. If your symptoms become worse, or believe it is an emergency, seek medical attention
- If you are sick, ensure you wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter your healthcare provider's office
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the used tissue in a trash can
- Wash your hands for AT LEAST 20 seconds. Can't wash your hands? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces, bathroom, your or the sick person's room
Emergency Warning Signs - Seek Medical Attention if:
- You have difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in your chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing these symptoms and notify the operator that you have or may have COVID-19.
When to End Home Isolation if you will not be tested:
- You have had no fever for at least 3 full days without using fever reducing medicine AND
- Other symptoms have improved AND
- At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
When to End Home Isolation if you will be tested:
- You no longer have a fever (without using fever reducing medicine) AND
- Other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved AND
- You receive 2 negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart.
If you choose to end home isolation, consult with your primary health care provider. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.
Additional Resources on what to do if you're sick and might have COVID-19:
- CDC Symptoms & Testing
- CDC Caring for Yourself at Home
- CDC Caring for Someone at Home
- CDC Frequently Asked Questions
Consider Donating Blood
The Red Cross is seeking blood donors as Connecticut experiences a blood shortage. Blood drives nationwide have been cancelled, but hospitals across our state and country still need blood. To allow for social distancing, donors can call the Red Cross to make an appointment. Interested individuals can make an appointment using the Red Cross web site, here, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Download it here. They can also call 1-800-Red-Cross.
Volunteering For Your Community
Do you have a background in medical care? You can contact your local health department. Locate your local health department here.
If you are a nurse, you can register to volunteer through the Connecticut Nurses Association web site: www.CTNurses.org/coronavirus There is also a need for personal protective equipment for medical workers at hospitals and long-term care facilities. This includes:
The public, businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations may donate these items through the Connecticut United Way/211. Click here to learn how you can donate. Healthcare and Insurance Resources The Connecticut Dept. of Social Services will cover telemedicine services for individuals and families enrolled in Medicaid/HUSKY Health. DSS is also planning to:
Telemedicine coverage includes:
Access Health Special Enrollment Period Ends Tomorrow
Resources for Workers
Resources for Employers
|