COVID Update 1.12

January 12, 2021

As we learn more detail about the violent events of January 6, I find myself insisting that we use our time to draw closer to them, that we turn and look squarely at what, exactly, happened, and why.  Some voices are calling for us to let the events go, to move ahead, to turn the page, to avoid division.  And I understand that instinct.  But an armed insurrection such as we experienced on January 6 is not something to walk away from.  It is a supremely divisive act, tearing apart the very idea of democracy and the rule of law. 
 
If we look closely, the details emerging are shocking.  Police officers beaten, kicked, and dragged down the steps while facing a torrent of humiliating and violent language.  Our duly elected leaders in fear for their lives, hiding under desks for hours as they listened to attackers try to batter down doors.  Armed marauders calling for the death of these leaders, carrying zip ties to enable hostage-taking.  To many veterans, the abuse of the flag alone was shocking, used as a weapon and dragged throughout the capitol building.
 
No good investigation ends with the foot soldiers. It asks who gained from this behavior, or sought to?  Who fomented, incited, and encouraged it?  The ultimate responsibility lies squarely at the feet of those who tried to keep their hands clean while sending others, including their own supporters, into harm’s way.  That is corrupt, cowardly and criminal.
 
This investigation is also necessary for our future security.  Part of my job now includes understanding the risks to public safety, and the threat has not receded, as we hear reports of potential further violence in the coming weeks. 
 
The only path forward is through truth and accountability.  It is my fervent hope that our national leaders use every legal tool to ensure that Donald Trump is no longer able to wield power, as it is abundantly clear that he cannot do so responsibly. 
 
 
Here’s a list of today’s topics:

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.”
 

Specific Updates for Our Community

 

Town Total Cases Total Deaths Number of Tests Number of Positive Tests
Canaan 5 0 620 6
Cornwall 36 0 1,477 43
Goshen 93 1 2,898 114
Kent 93 0 4,195 99
Norfolk 53 0 1,540 58
North Canaan 146 8 5,963 158
Salisbury 85 0 6,536 96
Sharon 58 1 3,157 87
Torrington 2,201 121 51,606 2,638

 
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.”
 
 
AnchorData updates on vaccine administration in Connecticut
 
The following data represents the total number of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in Connecticut, as reported to the state as of yesterday:
 

  • First doses administered: 133,190
  • Second doses administered: 7,865
  • Total doses administered: 141,055

 
All of the doses under Phase 1a of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination program are being administered to people in the healthcare workforce, and residents and staff of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
 
Every nursing home in the state has completed administering their first doses as of Friday of last week.
 
Connecticut ranks number five nationally in the percentage of population vaccinated to date.
 
I’ve received many questions concerning Connecticut's vaccine distribution plan. Answers to many of the questions can be found here.

AnchorAccess Health Open enrollment ends January 15
 
Having health insurance, especially during a global pandemic, is essential.

Access Health's extended open enrollment period offering quality, affordable plans for 2021 ends this week. The deadline is Friday January 15th at midnight. If you choose a plan during the extension, coverage will begin on February 1, 2021. 

If you are already covered by an insurance plan through Access Health CT for January 2021 and want to pick a new plan starting in February 2021, you have to pay your January monthly premium first.

There are a number of ways to get free help, including:

  • Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri.  8 AM - 6 PM, Sat. 9 AM-3 PM
  • With Certified Brokers or Enrollment Specialists in your community
  • At a time that works for you at a Virtual Enrollment Fair, more information here or
  • In-Person at an Enrollment Locations in Groton, Bridgeport, New Haven, New Britain, Stamford, or Hartford by appointment only. For more information click here.
  • Please note the call center will be open until 8 p.m. on January 15th. If customers call between 8 p.m. and midnight an automated service will collect a phone number and will be able to complete their enrollment through a call back. 

 
AnchorDeductions on pension and annuity income for retirees
 

Retirees in Connecticut are now able to claim a larger deduction on pension and annuity income. Thanks to a six-year plan that began with the 2019 tax year, seniors are seeing an increase in the percentage of pension and annuity income they can deduct from their annual tax returns. The deduction for 2019 was 14% and increases to 28% for 2020. By 2025, seniors will be able to deduct 100% of their pension and annuity income. 
 
The deduction applies to pension and annuity income for individuals earning less than $75,000 annually or married couples earning under $100,000 per year.

AnchorDepartment of Public Health issues guidance to colleges and universities on spring semester
 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health issued guidance over the weekend to the state’s universities and colleges regarding the upcoming spring semester. The guidance includes a recommendation that testing and quarantining of all residential students be done prior to fully opening campuses. The department is also advising universities and colleges to implement weekly testing of all residential and off-campus students who attend class in-person through the end of February 2021.
 
AnchorNew round of funding from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP)

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced on January 8, 2021 that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.
 
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
 
Key PPP updates include:
  • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
  • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
  • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 
  • A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
  • Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
  • Has no more than 300 employees; and
  • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

 
SBA, in consultation with the Treasury Department, has recently released additional PPP forms and guidance: 
 
Guidance & Resources

Updated First Draw Forms

Second Draw Forms

 
For more information and updates, visit SBA.gov/PPP

 

 
AnchorAttorney General Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Seagull warn Connecticut residents of potential stimulus check scams
 
Attorney General William Tong and Connecticut Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull are warning Connecticut residents to be on the lookout for potential scams involving the second round of stimulus checks from the federal government.
 
Stimulus checks from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began arriving this week for many people after the federal government enacted a $900 billion economic stimulus package, the second in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
The Connecticut Office of the Attorney General and Department of Consumer Protection warn that bad actors looking to steal Americans’ personal information and money might not be far behind.
 
Attorney General Tong and Commissioner Seagull offer these tips to prevent falling victim to a scam artist:
 

  • The federal government will not ask you to pay money upfront to receive a stimulus check. No fees. No charges.
  • The federal government will never call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number. Anyone who asks for this personal identifying information is a scammer.
  • No matter how the payment is disbursed, only a scammer will ask you to pay to receive it.
  • Some people will receive the payment in the form of an Economic Impact Payments (EIP) prepaid card. The card is not a scam, and there are ways to cash or use the card without fees.

 
Anyone who receives a suspicious phone call, email, or text message, can report it to the Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5000 or attorney.general@ct.gov, or with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection at dcp.complaints@ct.gov.

 
AnchorJanuary is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month

This week is Week 2 of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, focusing on scientific research that identifies the link between occupational exposures and cancer rates among firefighters, and research on screening for cancer and exposure routes.
 
They will also be sharing some amazing stories of survivorship and resilience. These stories reveal that cancer does not discriminate against age, race or gender. The time to take a stand against this demon attacking the fire service is now. Together we can make a difference. 
 
All these resources and more are available to review at your convenience on the network’s website.
 
Week 3 will highlight the steps and precautions that can be taken towards prevention of occupational cancer.
 
 
AnchorAvoid COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
 
Sadly, even during a pandemic, there are scammers out there looking to take advantage of you and your loved ones. 

Be alert:
  • No one from a legitimate vaccine distribution site will ever ask for your Social Security number or bank information in order to receive a vaccine.
  • You will never have to pay to get early access to the vaccine.
  • While you may be asked to provide health insurance information when you receive the vaccine, you do not need health insurance to receive the vaccine. 
  • You will never be asked to pay to put your name on a list to receive the vaccine.

Scammers may pose online as legitimate businesses or organizations in an effort to steal personal or financial information.

  • Make sure that emails related to the vaccine are coming from legitimate sources before clicking links or opening attachments.
  • When providing personal information, double check the URL to ensure it is legitimate. 

 
There are currently a limited number of federally approved vaccines and treatments. Avoid those offering a "miracle cure" treatment or medication that claims to prevent the virus.

If you become aware of a vaccine-related scam or believe you or someone you love may be the victim of a scam, you should file a complaint with state and local authorities. Suspected fraud or business-related scams can be reported to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection by visiting ct.gov/DCP or sending an email to dcp.complaints@ct.gov. Suspicious activities related to vaccine distribution practices or concerns for public health can be reported to local law enforcement or local public health officials.

 
AnchorGovernor Lamont deploys CT National Guard for Inauguration 

Governor Lamont has authorized the deployment of more than 100 members of the Connecticut National Guard to Washington, DC to ensure the peaceful transition of presidential power and protect our democracy.

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.