State Capitol Update for the Week of August 17

August 20, 2020

COVID-19 hit nursing homes hard throughout the Northeast, and residents of Connecticut’s long-term care facilities experienced higher lethality levels than any other state.  This week the state received an interim report taking a hard look at what happened, good and bad.  The report (linked to, and described more fully below), made no sweeping conclusions, but identified a number of missteps, some of which came as a result of our limited knowledge of the virus.
 

The report is part of the state’s overall look at how to respond if we do face a second wave in the fall, and I wanted to focus for a moment on Sharon Health Care Center, which performed a critical role in a moment of need, but will not be pressed into service again should there be a second wave in the fall. 
 
As the state maps out a plan for future needs, I have had a number of conversations with state agencies about Sharon Health Care Center (SHCC), which in the most urgent moments of the pandemic became a “COVID-19 Recovery Facility” exclusively focusing on COVID-19-positive patients.  That was an anxious few weeks – for the entire state, for the residents at SHCC, and for our region where there was significant concern about whether that would result in community spread that our rural area would not be able to handle.  Thanks to the hard and disciplined work of the dedicated staff at SHCC, and our collective insistence that protocols be followed and the community informed, there was no community spread, and patients received the care they deserved.  The staff at SHCC, and our community as a whole, is deservedly proud of having been part of the solution in a moment of need. 
 
SHCC’s work gave the state time to stand up a number of other facilities, located in recently closed long-term-care facilities throughout the state, and I have been assured that these facilities now have the capacity to handle a second wave should that become necessary. Thank you, SHCC for your tremendous service in a moment of need, and we’re glad to have you back caring for area residents who need you.
 
Coming up: on Wednesday, August 26 at 6:00 pm, I will be speaking with Attorney General William Tong via FB Live, about actions his office is taking with respect to the US Postal Service, and our electric utilities, and other actions to protect consumers in CT.

Here’s a list of today’s topics:

  • Weekly update on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and assisted living facilities
  • Guidance for decision-making regarding the use of in-person, hybrid (blended), or remote learning models in Connecticut schools during COVID-19
  • Department of Public Health investigating COVID-19 outbreak at Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich
  • Weekly update to the regional travel advisory: Alaska and Delaware added, Washington removed
  • Lamont administration receives interim report on COVID-19 in Connecticut’s long-term care facilities
  • CT Department of Transportation Seeks Input on Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and Public Information Procedures
  • Affordable health insurance remains available to CT residents who qualify
  • Energy & Technology Committee forum on Eversource rate increase and storm response scheduled for August 27
  • Rental Housing and Mortgage Assistance Programs
For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”
Weekly update on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and assisted living facilities
 
The following documents contain the weekly data regarding each of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Connecticut that have reported positive cases of COVID-19 among their residents. The data is presented as it was reported to the state by each of the facilities. If a facility is not listed, that means it is reporting that it does not have any residents who have tested positive.
 
**Download: Data on nursing homes in Connecticut as of August 18, 2020
**Download: Data on assisted living facilities in Connecticut as of August 18, 2020

 

 
Guidance for decision-making regarding the use of in-person, hybrid (blended), or remote learning models in Connecticut schools during COVID-19
 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and State Department of Education (SDE) have developed a framework and key metrics based on a combination considerations to guide local district decision-making on the use of remote versus in-person learning for the fall. This includes indicators of the spread and prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, as well as the physical and operational ability of schools to implement strategies to mitigate spread.
 
Adapted from recommendations by the Harvard Global Institute and supplemented by existing DPH measures, DPH and SDE recommend using the number of new cases, adjusted for population, as the key leading metric for community spread with suggested thresholds for differential risk categories. Each week, DPH, SDE, and local health departments will review the public health data and make any recommended changes between the “low,” “moderate,” and “high” categories by county. Leading and secondary indicators will also be updated by DPH on a weekly basis.
 
The data is published online and made available as part of the State of Connecticut’s Open Data portal.
 
The “low” and “moderate” categories indicate conditions in the area are appropriate for schools to provide at least a partial in-school option to students. For districts in the “low” or “moderate” categories that decide not to provide an in-school option, an exception review is required from a panel with representatives from the SDE, DPH, and the State Board of Education. As district and building-level decisions will ultimately be made at the local level, superintendents should consider developing an advisory group consisting of their school medical advisor, local health director, and school nurse leader to consult and inform decision-making.
 

**On the Web: Connecticut School Learning Model Indicators

 

 
Department of Public Health investigating COVID-19 outbreak at Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich
 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak at Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich that so far has resulted in the infections of 13 residents and two staff members. One resident has since died, and several are hospitalized.
 
As part of the investigation, DPH also is assessing the facility’s level of compliance with the governor’s Executive Order No. 7AAA, which mandates weekly testing for all nursing home staff. The state’s weekly staff testing mandate is an important tool for preventing and managing COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes.
 
Any citations that may be issued to this facility after a thorough investigation will be posted online.
Weekly update to the regional travel advisory: Alaska and Delaware added, Washington removed
 
The regional travel advisory between Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York that directs incoming travelers from states with a significant community spread of COVID-19 to self-quarantine for a 14-day period was updated today and now includes the states of Alaska and Delaware on the list of impacted locations. Meanwhile, the state of Washington has been removed.
 
The quarantine applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.
 
As of today, the full list of locations meeting this criteria includes:
  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Iowa
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • Oklahoma
  • Puerto Rico
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virgin Islands
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

This list will continue to be updated on a weekly basis as the situation develops across the country. Anyone seeking the most up-to-date information on the regional travel advisory is encouraged to visit the state’s coronavirus website at ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel.
 
Lamont administration receives interim report on COVID-19 in Connecticut’s long-term care facilities
 
The independent, third-party research firm commissioned by the Governor to review the response to COVID-19 in Connecticut’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities delivered its interim report earlier this week. The report, conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, was ordered by Governor Lamont earlier this summer to provide state officials with an analysis due before the start of autumn in order to prepare for a potential second wave of the virus. 
In the interim report, Mathematica makes several recommendations aimed at preparing the state and long-term care industry for a potential second wave and for reducing future infections in long-term care facilities. The recommendations are based on interviews and analysis of data from Connecticut and other comparison states. In addition to identifying gaps in scientific knowledge about the virus and how it was spreading, the report faulted delays in issuing a universal mask order for all health workers, significant vacancies in the Department of Public Health, and shortcomings in communication.

The interim report can be read online at portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Long-Term-Care-Facility-review. Mathematica is due to deliver a final report to the state by the end of September.
To watch video of a presentation that staff from the Connecticut Department of Public Health delivered today to legislators regarding the interim report, click here:  https://youtu.be/QEOQuaKJy08
 

 

Affordable health insurance remains available to CT residents who qualify
As unemployment numbers rise nationally with job losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Access Health CT continues to offer access to financial help, or free or low-cost health coverage to Connecticut residents who qualify.
 Access Health CT is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, where state residents can shop, compare, and enroll in quality healthcare plans. It is the only place where individuals can qualify for financial help to lower their costs or be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through HUSKY Health (Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Plan).
 People may qualify for coverage at any time, if they experience a Qualifying Life Event, such as losing coverage due to job change or loss, aging off a parents’ plan, moving to Connecticut, getting married, or having/ adopting a child, for example.  To qualify, you must complete an application for coverage within 60 days of the Qualifying Life Event.  For more information, https://learn.accesshealthct.com/?ds_rl=1276198&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvvj5BRDkARIsAGD9vlLuK-ZxVOtr8-64VdCYjTYd288DLaTd8tqoCLFLPxyRh5wdnua5igAaArC8EALw_wcB
 
 
Energy & Technology Committee forum on Eversource rate increase and storm response scheduled for August 27
 
The Energy and Technology committee will be having a virtual information forum on August 27th, to discuss the rate increases and storm response. The committee will be receiving written testimony only from the public. If you would like to submit written testimony please submit a Word document or pdf to ETTestimony@cga.ct.gov. 
CT Department of Transportation Seeks Input on Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and Public Information Procedures

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is seeking public input as it updates its four-year Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and revised Public Involvement Procedures (PIP). Comments will be received at two virtual public information meetings on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

The 2021-2024 draft STIP covers a $3.865 billion program, listing all federally funded transportation improvements, by federal funding category and by region, which are scheduled to occur over the next four years in Connecticut, including capital and operational improvements to each transportation mode: including highway, bus, rail and bicycle facilities and amenities.
The department will be hosting two virtual public information meetings on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 1:00 PM and again at 7:00 PM.  Details on how to join the virtual public meetings can be found here.

CTDOT staff will be available to help answer specific questions and clarify any proposed projects, as well as addressing questions and comments on the PIP.

The draft STIP can be found here.
The draft PIP can be found here.​

Additional information:
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (800) 369-2192 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 4906163. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS).  The MS Teams Live Event offers closed captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the event and closed captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording will also be available in the list of DOT virtual public meetings here: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library

Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference the Draft 2021 STIP or PIP in your voicemail.

Persons with limited internet access may request that the Draft 2021 STIP and /or PIP information be mailed to them by contacting Rose A. Etuka by email at Rose.Etuka@ct.gov or by phone at 860 594-2040. (Allow one week for processing and delivery.)

The draft 2021 STIP and PIP are available for review and for public comment from August 24, 2020, to October 9, 2020. The documents are also available for review at the Connecticut Department of Transportation Administration Building in Newington and at each of the eight Metropolitan Planning Organizations and two Rural Council of Governments upon request. An appointment is suggested in order to adequately schedule all interested parties. To schedule an appointment at CTDOT, please call (860) 594-2040. To schedule an appointment at one of the Council of Governments, please call them directly. 

Written comments must be received on or before October 9, 2020.  Comments should be addressed to: Mrs. Maribeth Wojenski, Transportation Assistant Planning Director, Bureau of Policy and Planning, Connecticut Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546, OR emailed to DOT.Draft2021STIPComment@ct.gov
Please include your name, address, and if applicable, the name of the company or organization you represent with your response.
 
Rental Housing and Mortgage Assistance Programs
If you have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic and are struggling to pay your rent or mortgage, the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) partnered to offer temporary assistance programs.

The programs, Temporary Rental Housing Assistance (TRHAP) and Temporary-Mortgage Assistance (T-MAP) Programs, opened on July 15. 
 

Temporary Rental Housing Assistance Program:
  • Initial priority for TRHAP assistance will be targeted at individuals and families who have been denied unemployment assistance from the Department of Labor. 
  • Individuals who are unemployed or under-employed and who have not yet filed for unemployment assistance should file for as soon as possible.
  • Individuals who would like to speak to a Call Center Representative to determine their eligibility for TRHAP assistance can call 1-860-785-3111, or they may click the button below:
Apply for TRHAP
Temporary-Mortgage Assistance Program:
  • The program will provide up to $10,000 in emergency loan funds for low and moderate income homeowners to pay their housing costs.
  • Eligible households with incomes at or below 120 percent of the area median income will be eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in the form of a second mortgage loan.

Individuals who would like to speak with a Call Center Representative to determine their eligibility and apply should call 1-860-785-3111 or click the button below:
Apply for T-MAP
Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state’s CTAlert notification system
 
Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
 
Providing information to Connecticut residents
 
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.
 
Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Relay services can be accessed by calling 7-1-1. Anyone who is out-of-state or using Relay can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 toll free by dialing 1-800-203-1234. The hotline is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. A