Maria Horn

Yesterday we had a real snow day, including some of the largest snowfall we’ve had in some time.  At my house, depending on who did the measuring, it was either 16 or 20 inches of fresh snow. As I listened to my own three kids tumble outside with our dog (who was completely, and gleefully, buried by the snow), wishing I were outside making a snow angel myself, it illustrated the contradictory moment we live in.  For a school-aged child, a snow day can represent pure joy, but to the working parent it is much more complicated, at a time when so many are already carrying a heavy burden of worry about family economics and public health. 
 
It’s true more broadly: it is thrilling to hear news of vaccines being delivered and administered this week to healthcare workers and nursing home residents, but the public health statistics, and the resulting strain on our healthcare systems, are sobering.  Many small businesses, particularly those in the hospitality industry, are fighting for their survival.  We can see the light at the end, but the tunnel is a long one. 
 
One of the conversations I had this week about helping small businesses was organized by the bipartisan Women’s Caucus, featuring Fran Pastore, Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Business Development Council. The council provides resources, expertise, and advice to many small businesses throughout the state, not just women-owned businesses.  Isolation brought on by the pandemic also affects many small business owners, who feel they have nowhere to turn as hurdles pile up in front of them.  Organizations like the council can help, building community and confidence, as well as directing businesses to the resources they need.  We’re in this together.  If you own, run or work for a small business, please reach out to let me know what you’re experiencing. We want you to be there on the other side.
 
And, shop local! (While remaining socially distant, wearing a mask, and after washing your hands.)    

Here’s a list of today’s topics:

• Governor Lamont Signs Executive Orders. Click here.
• Data updates on vaccine distribution. Click here.
• COVID numbers in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Click here.
• COVID Alert Map. Click here.
• COVID Relief Funds. Click here.
• New superintendent for Region One Public Schools. Click here.
• Nobile Horizons to make presentation to CT Senate. Click here.
• Shop Locally! Click here.

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, “Data Tracker.”
 
Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9R enacting the following provisions:

• Suspension and modification of tax deadlines and collection efforts for tax bills that become due and payable on January 1, 2021
• Suspension of municipal assessor certification program requirement
• Alcoholic liquor sales by caters

Governor Lamont signs Executive Order No. 9S enacting the following provisions:

• Amendments to mandatory self-quarantine for travelers from states with high COVID-19 levels: Makes revisions to the previously enacted Connecticut COVID-19 Travel Advisory, which Governor Lamont announced in a press release that was issued earlier today.
• Authorization for continued temporary suspension of the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration of out-of-state providers

Data updates on vaccine distribution in Connecticut
 
As of a briefing today, which included the first four days of the vaccination process, over 3,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Connecticut. All of the doses so far in this first week of vaccinations have been administered to those in the healthcare workforce, as part of Phase 1a.  This phase includes:

• Healthcare personnel: all paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials.  If you work in healthcare, and have regular patient contact, this should include you. These vaccinations have begun.
• Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF):  adults who reside in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently.  Vaccinations for those within Connecticut’s nursing homes should begin today.
• First responders at risk of exposure to COVID-19: EMTs, Fire, Police who respond to medical 911 calls.  Again, this group is defined by those who have regular patient contact.

 
Phase 1b, which should include the “essential workforce” is still undefined with specificity.  No final decisions have yet been made.
 
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: Report from December 17, 2020 on COVID-19 in Connecticut nursing homes **Download: Report from December 17, 2020 on COVID-19 in Connecticut assisted living facilities

 

Weekly update of the Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Alert Map: 166 municipalities now in red
 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health released its weekly COVID-19 Alert Map, which indicates that 166 of 169 towns and cities in Connecticut are now in the red zone alert level, the highest of the state’s four alert levels.
 
The only municipalities in the state that are not in the red zone this week are Barkhamsted, Canaan, and Warren.
 
The red zone indicates municipalities that have an average daily COVID-19 case rate over the last two weeks of greater than 15 per 100,000 population. The orange zone indicates those that have case rates between 10 to 14 cases per 100,000 population. The yellow zone indicates municipalities that have case rates between 5 and 9 per 100,000 population, and those indicated in gray have case rates lower than five per 100,000 population.
 
The weekly alert map is also accompanied by a chart that provides guidance on recommended actions based on the alert levels for individual residents; institutions such as schools, houses of worship, and community organizations; as well as municipal leaders and local health directors.
 
The COVID-19 Alert Map is updated every Thursday around 4:00 p.m. and can be found in the Data Tracker page of the state’s coronavirus website at ct.gov/coronavirus.
 
Lamont administration notifies municipalities on updates to distribution of COVID-19 relief funds
 
The Lamont administration has delivered a letter to all municipal chief elected officials in Connecticut notifying them that the state will be increasing the levels of financial aid being sent to towns and cities to supplement their response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The funding comes from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund, which utilizes federal funding made available through the CARES Act. These changes will reimburse municipalities for their reported and audited costs, establish a grant program for the municipalities, and assist municipalities by offsetting costs related to COVID-19 testing.
 
To date, the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM) has reimbursed municipalities for all reported claims through June 30, 2020, for a total of approximately $14.5 million from the Connecticut Municipal Coronavirus Relief Fund Program. Notably, the actual incurred expenses through June 30 were significantly lower than municipalities originally estimated.

The program originally was structured to provide funds on a reimbursement basis after the processing of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) claims. Due to the time delays in FEMA claims processing, and to maximize support to municipalities, OPM will be immediately providing a direct $45.5 million allocation of the program’s funds to support municipalities with their costs for the period between July 1 and December 30, 2020.
 
In summary, the Connecticut Municipal Coronavirus Relief Fund Program funds of $75 million will be distributed as follows:
 

• Reimbursed claims through June 30, 2020: $14.5 million
• Final allocation with expanded usage: $45.5 million
• Regional testing opportunities for municipal teachers and staff: $15 million

The Municipal Coronavirus Relief Fund grants of $45,498,170 will be allotted based on the population formula below. (For a town-by-town allotment, click here.)

• 33 percent population density
• 33 percent population / Adjusted Equalized Net Grand List per capita
• 34 percent population

 
Testing has been critical to slow the spread of coronavirus and mitigate its threat to public health, particularly for the most at-risk populations and our educational system. Therefore $15 million of the $75 million allocation has been reserved to expand regional testing opportunities for teachers and staff to mitigate this expense for LEA’s and municipalities and provide increased support for safe operations of Connecticut’s schools.
 

**Download: Letter from the Lamont administration to municipal chief elected officials on COVID-19 response funding for towns and cities

 

 
Region One Public Schools announce that Lisa B. Carter has been appointed Superintendent
 
On Wednesday, Lisa B. Carter became the newly appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Regional School District #1. Carter, who has been acting as the Interim Superintendent since the retirement of Dr. Pam Vogel on June 30, was unanimously approved by all members of the seven district Boards of Education within the Region. Carter, an educator in Region One for more than 17 years, has served as the Assistant Superintendent since 2016. Prior to that, she was the Principal of Salisbury Central School from 2011-2016.

She began her education career in 2003 as a Social Studies teacher at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, where, in addition to being an exceptional teacher, she collaborated with her colleagues to initiate the student exchange with China and the Civic Life Project.  While the Region 1 Search Committee, made up of the ​seven board of education chairs in Region 1​, initially planned on conducting a formal search process to select its new Superintendent, after six months the group determined that Carter would be the best candidate for this time, given her experience and history in Region 1.
 
Noble Horizons in Salisbury selected to present to the CT Senate on its Visitation Centers amidst COVID-19
 
Congratulations to Noble Horizons, which was one of three Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Connecticut invited to present to the State Senate's Sub-committee on Socialization, Visitation and Caregiver Engagement Subcommittee.  Linda Orlowski, Director of Social Services, and Lana Knutson, Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services, presented for Noble Horizons on December 14. 

Noble was selected for its innovative development of safe visiting centers for families and residents during the pandemic, throughout which Noble residents have remained COVID-free.  The outdoor visitation center was previously recognized by the State of Connecticut's Department of Aging and Disability Services.   
 
Using an existing patio, Noble Horizons team members designed and constructed a plexi-glass enclosed porch structure that incorporated the welcoming appearance of a countryside bistro with the elements necessary to ensure COVID safe visits.  Families and residents praised it for the comfort, privacy and safety it afforded their visits. 
 
When colder weather forced visits indoors, Noble Horizons adapted its 2700’ Community Room, normally the site of community programs and resident activities, into a visiting space that safely accommodates three family visits simultaneously.  Extensive staff oversight and rigorous protective measures have again been implemented to safeguard the visits. 
 
Noble Horizons is a 5-Star Quality Rated retirement community in Salisbury, CT located on 110 landscaped and wooded acres. It offers independent living cottages, hotel-style accommodations, skilled nursing, memory care, short term, and outpatient rehabilitation. Since its founding almost 50-years ago, Noble Horizons has been on the leading edge of senior living communities.  For more information about Noble Horizons please visit www.noblehorizons.org or contact Caroline Burchfield at CBurchfield@churchhomes.org. 
 
 
More ideas for shopping locally
 
Shopping locally this year is more important than ever, as we look for ways to support local businesses.  Since posting a few suggestions in an earlier newsletter, I’ve received a few more, including from the NW Hills Council of Governments, whose Discover Litchfield Hills initiative can be found here.
 
You can also support the Annex and exhibiting artists at Five Points Gallery in Torrington.

Or, find a last minute gift from Connecticut Grown Businesses. Here are five ideas to help wrap up your holiday gift giving:

1. Connecticut Farm Wine: With more than 40 farm wineries located throughout the state, there is a red, white, or rose’ to meet every palate. Many now offer online ordering, curbside pickup, or delivery so that you can grab a bottle, or case, of a favorite vintage. The state’s award-winning farm wines are a great addition on your holiday table, or for an at-home New Year’s Eve celebration. And, if you’ve really waited until the eleventh hour, a gift certificate sent electronically is a fast, convenient, and thoughtful option. Find a farm winery here: www.CTGrown.gov/farmwinery.  
2. Shellfish: Connecticut's shellfish producers have rolled out holiday promotions to bring fresh oysters, clams, fish, and all the tools to enjoy them straight to your door. From shucking kits to Oyster of the Month Clubs or pre-packaged Oysters Casino ready to heat and serve, you can bring the sea home. Buy direct from one of the producers here: https://shellfish.uconn.edu/seafood-sales/.
3. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Membership: If someone on your list enjoys cooking and eating what’s in season, a CSA membership is sure to be a hit. CSA’s run the gamut from the popular fruits and vegetables to meat, dairy, and even cut flowers. Buy now and give a gift they will enjoy all season long. Find a CSA here: www.CTGrownMap.com.
4. Sampler and/or Subscription Boxes: Producers have gotten creative and teamed up with neighboring farms to create curated boxes of fresh, local foods. Whether it is delivered to your door weekly or you pick up as needed, each box offers a unique way to try a variety of products including pork, beef, and lamb as well as yogurt, cheese, and milk. Find a farm offering box at www.CTGrownMap.com.
5. Greenhouse/Nursery: Fresh flowers and greens are a beautiful addition as centerpieces or to remember loved ones no longer with us. Pick out a living tree or winter house plants for the green thumb on your list. Again, a gift certificate to a local nursery or greenhouse is never a wrong choice for those who enjoy gardening and outdoor home landscaping projects. Find a greenhouse or nursery here: www.CTGrownMap.com.

Providing information to Connecticut residents
 
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
 
Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This 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 are strongly urged to contact their medical provider.