Fairfield Resources and Updates

Fairfield
November 10, 2020
I hope this finds you healthy and well. As we head into winter and begin to see an uptick in COVID cases, I expect to once again be in touch more regularly with information and resources. In just the past 24 hours, we have seen 52 new hospitalized patients and another 9 deaths in our state. This consistent trend is the reason behind the Governor’s Phase 2.1 order.

Phase 2.1 Rules are Now in Effect

Last week, Governor Lamont announced that due to the steadily increasing rate of COVID-19 in Connecticut, the entire state is rolled back to Phase 2.1 rules – a slightly modified version of the previously enacted Phase 2 rules. This went into effect on Friday, November 6.

The major changes that will occur under Phase 2.1 include:

  • Restaurants will reduce to 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 8 people limited to a table
  • Restaurants and entertainment venues (i.e. bowling allies, movie theaters, arcades, etc.) will be required to close by 9:30 p.m., with the exception of food takeout and delivery services, which will be allowed to continue after 9:30 p.m.
  • Personal services, such as hair salons and barber shops, will remain at 75 percent capacity
  • Event venues will be limited to 25 people indoor, 50 people outdoor
  • Performing arts venues and movie theaters will have a capacity of 100 people
  • Religious gatherings will be limited to 50 percent capacity or 100 people maximum
Employers are reminded to maximize telework to the extent possible, and those over 60 and with chronic conditions are urged to remain home as much as possible.
Help for our Local Small Businesses

In the coming days, small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to apply for a one-time $5,000 grant through the Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program. I’d like to emphasize that this is a grant rather than a loan.

Eligible businesses include:
  • No more than $1.5 million in annual payroll
  • 20 or fewer employees
  • Home-based businesses
  • For-profit businesses using any type of incorporation, and 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), 501(c)(7), and 501(c)(19) nonprofits
  • Sole proprietorships
Funds can be used for payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, inventory, equipment purchases, and more. Approved applicants are expected to receive funds by the end of the year.

What documents are needed to complete the application?

The goal of the CT CARES grant application is to be straightforward and easy. It is NOT a loan that needs to be paid back. All applicants will receive funding by December 30, 2020.

Minimally applicants will need, if applicable: 
  • Social Security number
  • Federal EIN number
  • State TAX ID number
  • Bank Routing Number
Answers to frequently asked questions are available here.

Click here for additional information about the program, including funding priorities, full eligibility guidelines, and office hours for applicants to access assistance with the application process.
Open Enrollment Began November 1st

As many families continue to struggle with the challenges of COVID-19, Access Health has

 opened enrollment for those with a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). This includes the loss of a job and health insurance because of the pandemic.

You will be able to make an appointment at one of six enrollment locations or attend a virtual open enrollment fair. Also, enrollment centers will be located in different communities throughout the state.

After a Virtual Healthy Chat you will:
  • Know what Access Health CT (AHCT) is and how they can help you
  • Understand the types of financial help and coverage options available
  • Be prepared for 2021 Open Enrollment and the application process
  • Feel empowered to choose a plan and understand the benefits of coverage so you can stay well

Healthy Chats will be held via Zoom (and by phone) on select Wednesdays from 3 – 4 pm and select Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. There's also a first-ever Spanish Healthy Chats.

For those that need health insurance but do not have a QLE. Click here for more information.
STEAP Grant Funding for Fairfield

Yesterday, Governor Ned Lamont approved more than $11 million in state funding for grants through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) that will be awarded to Fairfield and 93 other small towns across Connecticut for various infrastructure improvement projects. This is the first time since 2016 that the state has awarded STEAP funding.

Fairfield will receive $128,205 in state funding for streetscape improvements, including sidewalks and signage, at Fairfield Center. This will be matched by $26,331 from the town. Pedestrian infrastructure is critical to a vibrant town center and support for our small businesses. Thank you, Governor Lamont!
CDC Considerations for Small Holiday Gatherings of Family and Friends

I receive periodic e-mail updates from the CDC and wanted to share some of their advice about the holidays. If you’re like me, you’re probably trying to figure out if or how to celebrate with your family and friends. Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread. In-person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, pose varying levels of risk.

Number and crowding of people at the gathering – Gatherings with more people pose more risk than gatherings with fewer people. The Connecticut Health Advisory calls for a limit of 10 people per gathering. It is critical that attendees from different households stay 6 feet (2 arm lengths) apart, wear masks, wash hands, and follow state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations.