COVID-19 Updates & Small Business Resources

COVID
November 13, 2020
There is always a lot of information to share with all of you. As I have throughout this pandemic, I will remind you to please wear your masks, maintain six feet of distance and avoid any gatherings with people outside your home.

The virus numbers are exploding not just here in Connecticut, but throughout our nation. With college students returning home and people traveling for Thanksgiving, we are going to have to be even more vigilant. Some of us may have let our guard down a bit and now is the time to be on alert. More on all of that next week.

Today I want to highlight two items: the new COVID Alert app and the CARES Small Business Grant Program.
 
COVID Alert CT – Another way we Can Stop the Spread

This week the Governor announced that Connecticut will join other states and cities in using the COVID Alert CT system. As someone who has worked on data privacy in the past, one of the first questions I had was about privacy. The system is designed to share information in an anonymous way and codes may only be provided if someone testing positive agrees to release the anonymous codes. No personal or location information is shared.

This effort does not replace the important work of our contact tracers, but it is a helpful supplement. The more of us who utilize this app, the more effective we can be in stopping the spread of the virus. Former FDA head Scott Gottlieb, a Connecticut resident, downloaded it as he was participating in yesterday’s press conference with the Governor. It’s that simple.

How does it work? Check it out:
  • First, users should visit the COVID Alert CT website, where they can find instructions on how to download the app for their specific device.
  • Once installed, the app uses Bluetooth to sense whether a user’s device has been within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more in one day – without sharing any personal information.
  • If a user has been near another person who has tested positive and is also using the app on their personal device, an alert will be triggered notifying the user that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
  • A notification will not be triggered if two devices in this scenario are just passing by for a short duration or stay more than 6 feet away from each other. 

If a user tests positive:

  • A contact tracer from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, their local health department, or their higher education institution will ask them if they are willing to share the “close contact” codes their app has logged while they may have been contagious.
  • If the user agrees, a contract tracer will provide them with a verification code.
  • Once that code is submitted through the user’s app, those individuals who came within 6 feet of that user for more than 15 minutes and who also are using the app will receive a notification on their device that they were in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
  • Sharing this status is secure and private. The app will never reveal who the user is to anyone else.
CT CARES Small Business Grant
 
Earlier today I participated in a Facebook live Zoom with Deputy Commissioner Thames from DECD, Sen. Hwang and members of our delegation to learn more about the grant application process. First of all, this is a grant, not a loan, of $5,000 for qualifying businesses. Here are some important things to remember if you are a small business interested in applying:
  • The application was opened last night at 8pm. Due to the expected volume of applicants, it is recommended that businesses apply as soon as possible. DECD anticipates a closing date of November 19th for the application and even sooner depending on demand. Apply today.
  • The application should take only 10 minutes or so to complete, as it is a largely attestation rather than providing detailed documents. You will need to be sure you have those documents for a potential audit. Keep good records at all times.
  • In order to apply, you will need your Social Security #, EIN, State Tax ID number which can be found at the top of your return, your bank routing # and account #.
  • Be sure to double check your information and enter it correctly, as due to the anticipated volume, it is unlikely that DECD or their partner, SoFi will be able to reach out to you to make corrections.

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

According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, half of the business owners they have surveyed anticipate needing some kind of funding in the next 12 months. Deputy Commissioner Thames said DECD estimates the need at up to $2-3 billion. This level of need will require additional federal support on top of what we can do as a state.
 
For support with the application process, DECD will be holding office hours beginning tonight from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Additional hours can be found here. In addition, the WBDC and SBDC are able to provide technical support and assistance. If you are a small business or non-profit, I highly recommend connecting directly with these organizations to avail yourself of the support and resources they can provide.