Aimee Berger-Girvalo

Connecticut working with vaccine providers to administer at least 25% of vaccines in priority communities

As part of the Lamont administration’s continuing efforts to increase equity in vaccine distribution to residents of underserved communities that have been hardest hit by COVID-19, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has identified the individual zip codes across the state that are in the top 25 percent of the CDC’s social vulnerability index (SVI). The department is working with vaccine providers to commit to administering at least 25 percent of available vaccine supply to the residents living in these priority zip codes and to collecting, tracking, and reporting data regarding race and ethnicity for vaccines administered.

In addition, the equity pledge calls for providers to make investments in outreach and access efforts to reach vulnerable communities, particularly communities of color, including dedicated call-in lines, reserved appointment slots for priority zip codes, community health worker models, and mobile clinics in priority neighborhoods.

On a periodic basis, the Department of Public Health will report on the progress that is made in administering the vaccine to residents of the priority zip codes and in ensuring that it is administered equitably across race and ethnicity.

Easing-Up on COVID-19 Restrictions

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that in the coming days he plans to revise some requirements that were implemented in Connecticut in the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when it comes to those relating to capacity levels and travel restrictions.

The governor stressed that while some of these restrictions are being eased, all of the protocols that relate to face coverings, social distancing, and cleaning measures are being maintained, and people and businesses are urged to continue adhering to those health and safety procedures.

Protocols that will remain in effect until further notice include:

• Face coverings and masks continue to be required
• Bars that only serve beverages continue to remain closed
• 11PM closing time remains in place for events at venues, restaurants, and entertainment
• Indoor theaters continue to have a 50% capacity
• Large event venues (e.g. stadiums) to open in April

The protocols that will be revised in the coming days include:

Beginning Friday, March 19, 2021

• All capacity limits will be eliminated for the following businesses, while face coverings, social distancing, and other cleaning and disinfecting protocols will continue to be required:
  • Restaurants (8-person table capacity and 11PM required closing time for dining rooms continues)
  • Retail
  • Libraries
  • Personal services
  • Indoor recreation (excludes theaters, which will continue to have a 50% capacity)
  • Gyms/fitness centers
  • Museums, aquariums, and zoos
  • Offices
  • Houses of worship
• Gathering sizes will be revised to the following amounts:
  • Social and recreational gatherings at private residence – 25 indoors/100 outdoors
  • Social and recreational gatherings at commercial venues – 100 indoors/200 outdoors
• All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed, subject to Department of Public Health guidance
• Connecticut’s travel advisory will be modified from a requirement to recommended guidance

Beginning Monday, March 29, 2021

• Capacity limits on early childhood classes will increase from 16 to 20

Beginning Friday, April 2, 2021

• Outdoor amusement parks can open
• Outdoor event venues can increase to a 50% capacity, capped at 10,000 people
• Indoor stadiums can open at 10% capacity
• Summer camps and summer festivals are advised to begin the planning stages to open for the upcoming season

Data 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 today:

*NOTE: This data does not include 155 J&J vaccinations

So far, the following age groups have received at least their first dose:

• 74 percent over the age of 75
• 59 percent between the ages of 65 and 74
• 17 percent between the ages of 55 and 64

Those who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine under Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination program include all individuals over the age of 55, as well as all healthcare personnel, medical first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, residents and staff of select congregate settings, and preK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers. Over the coming weeks, eligibility will expand based on age according to the following schedule:

• March 22, 2021: Expands to ages 45 to 54
• April 12, 2021: Expands to ages 35 to 44
• May 3, 2021: Expands to ages 16 to 34