COVID Update 9.15

September 15, 2020

 

Nonprofit organizations in our area do incredible work to keep our communities healthy, and to keep us connected to one another. Those of us who work on behalf of one organization usually end up working for other nonprofits as well, creating a web of connections where ideas and resources get shared.  These organizations combat addiction, create affordable housing, help victims of domestic violence, provide emergency services, support land conservancy, care for the aging, build and sustain our libraries, and provide daycare for our kids, to name a tiny fraction of the services they provide.  They depend on both government funding and private philanthropy in order to survive, and to provide decent wages to their hard-working staff. 
 
State funding for these nonprofits has stagnated in recent years, and one of the most serious concerns we have faced in the Appropriations Committee is how to address that, particularly for those nonprofits which perform essential services for vulnerable members of our community.  Just because their commitment and work ethic have meant that they have found ways to scrape by, does not mean they are being compensated fairly for their critical work: as a state we must not look away from the fiscal hardship this has caused. 
 
Private philanthropy is also a challenge right now, as many in our communities are facing their own economic hardship.  One particular kind of fundraising I have participated in regularly over the years are the various road races and walks to support a cause that take place all over the region.  Many of these were cancelled because of the pandemic, while other organizations have created virtual events.  Because it may be harder to find these virtual events, I thought I’d highlight a few this week that I’m hoping to participate in – many others may join the list soon.  Maybe you can join me in getting outside for some exercise in this cooler weather, with the extra benefit of supporting important causes in our community:

 

 

Here’s a list of today’s topics:

  • Federal Lost Wages Assistance extended to six weeks; claimants due to receive first payment this week
  • Attorney General Tong joins with other state attorneys general to take on ExxonMobil over climate change
  • Governor Lamont order fines re masks, large social gatherings
  • Travel Advisory Update
  • Department of Public Health Appoints Temporary Manager to Oversee Operations at Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich Following Widespread COVID-19 Outbreak

 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.”
 
Federal Lost Wages Assistance extended to six weeks; claimants due to receive first payment this week
Certification for the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program is now open to all claimants and the program has been extended for another week for a total of six weeks of benefits. The program gives an additional $300 per week benefit for eligible claimants who were unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.
New unemployment claimants and existing state and extended benefits claimants are required to self-certify. Existing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants have already self-certified and do not need to do anything to receive the additional benefit.
 
Attorney General Tong joins with other state attorneys general to take on ExxonMobil over climate change
 
Connecticut on Monday joined a growing list of states and local governments in bringing legal action to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for causing climate change, filing suit in Hartford Superior Court against ExxonMobil.  The suit is being brought under the
Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, alleging an ongoing, systematic campaign of lies and deception. 
 
For more information, click here.
 
 
 
Governor Lamont order fines re masks, large social gatherings
 
At the request of municipal officials, Governor Lamont has ordered a series of fines for failing to wear a mask, or for organizing or attending an event that exceeds current limits.  The fines are similar to those adopted in neighboring states. Currently, the only legal tool local officials have is to arrest people on misdemeanors if they disobey guidance such as wearing masks in stores. 
 
The new fines, which will be announced in a forthcoming executive order, and are considered an infraction, include:

  • $100 for failing to wear a protective mask in public;
  • $250 for attending a private gathering that exceeds state limits (currently 25 people indoors, and 100 people outdoors for most private gatherings); and
  • $500 for organizing such an event.

 
 
Travel Advisory Update
 
Connecticut updated its travel advisory restrictions today, adding Puerto Rico to the list of restrictions, and removing: California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ohio.  For full advisory, click here.
 
Governor Lamont also announced new protocols for those entering the state from most of the country with unacceptably high infection rates of 10-percent or more. Travelers can avoid a 14-day quarantine if they show a proof of a negative COVID test within three days of arriving here, or if they get a negative test upon entering Connecticut, where they will wait in quarantine until the test results are available.
 
 
Department of Public Health Appoints Temporary Manager to Oversee Operations at Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich Following Widespread COVID-19 Outbreak
 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the appointment of a Temporary Manager to take over operations at the Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich, the latest enforcement action following an investigation of a widespread COVID-19 outbreak at the facility.  That investigation revealed serious violations facility-wide in general infection control practices, staffing, cohorting (grouping together) residents who tested positive, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The detailed, full investigative report in the statement of deficiency, as well as the violation letter outlining the appointment of a temporary manager are  available online by searching for it by date (between August 25-September 14).
 
Three Rivers has agreed to voluntarily accept the temporary manager.   
 
 
 
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. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.