Josh Elliott

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

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.

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.

The Energy and Tech committee will be having our virtual information forum on Thursday, August 27th. Agenda will be released when it is finalized. The forum is being called to discuss the rate increases and storm response.

The committee will be receiving written testimony only from the public. If you or someone you know would like to submit written testimony please follow the directions below:

For Written Testimony please submit a Word Doc or PDF to - ETTestimony here.

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.

“This unfortunate outbreak underscores the need for all of us to keep our guard up in the fight against COVID-19,” Acting Public Health Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford, MD MPH, said. “COVID is still present in our communities and the virus can spread quickly if we do not remain vigilant about controlling the infection. DPH is conducting an analysis to determine how the virus may have been introduced into Three Rivers, and we are investigating all aspects of this facility’s infection control practices, including appropriate cohorting, PPE use by staff, and appropriate staff screening.”

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.

Your family can continue receiving utility protection through October 31, but you must call your utility company to get coded for HARDSHIP or WINTER protection.

The PURA (Public Utilities Regulatory Authority) July 21, 2020 ruling extends protection through October 31, 2020 for hardship customers. On November 1, hardship customers are protected from utility shutoff by the winter protection moratorium, which is effective through May 1.

Families can use information below to get Hardship or Winter Protection

To get Hardship or Winter Protection:

1. Call your utility company
2. Ask to be coded “Hardship” or “Winter” protection

Companies must offer a payment plan you can afford. Ask about:

• Below Budget Worksheet (payment of $50 or $75 per month regardless of back bill)
• New Start (affordable monthly payment/entire back balance forgiven if 12 months of consistent payments)
• Matching Payment Programs (affordable monthly payment as low as $75.00 – balance reduction)
• Energy Assistance (payment toward back heat bill – you can also call your local Community Action Agency)
• Operation Fuel (financial assistance for unpaid back bills for qualified customers)

Families Should CALL NOW to Extend Utility Protection and Get a Payment Plan

• United Illuminating: (800) 722-5584
• Eversource: (800) 286-2000
• Connecticut Natural Gas: (860) 727-3000
• Southern Connecticut Gas: (800) 659-8299

For help or more information:

• Bonnie Roswig, Center for Children’s Advocacy: (860) 566-0836 or email
• United Way: 2-1-1 InfoLine
• Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA): (800) 382-4586