March 5th Newsletter: Reopening CT, DMV Changes, & More

March 5, 2021

We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.


Reopening Connecticut

Governor Lamont Announces Plans To Ease Some COVID-19 Restrictions in Connecticut

Governor Lamont 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.

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

DMV Adds New Online Service Features
 

In an effort to create more convenience and accessibility for Connecticut residents, the state Department of Motor Vehicles has introduced several new features on its website.

Among the new features are:

  • The ability to request a duplicate driver’s license
  • The ability to request a duplicate non-driver ID
  • The ability to view your driving history

This announcement comes after the announcement one month ago that state residents can now renew their driver's licenses and non-driver IDs online as well.

Click HERE to read more about this announcement. To access these new features, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DMV.


Access Health CT Healthy Chats
 
Healthy Chats

Don't go uninsured during this difficult time.

If you are looking for information regarding quality, affordable health care options, Access Health CT (AHCT) is hosting two free virtual "Healthy Chats" to help residents learn about plan options, financial help, low-cost and free coverage as well as tips on staying covered during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that runs through Monday March 15, 2021.

The chats, which are free and offered in English and Spanish, will be held on Tuesday March 9 at 6 p.m. and Wednesday March 10 at 6 p.m. (Spanish only) and can be accessed here or at ahct-2021-healthy-chat.eventbrite.com.

Following the chats attendees should have a better understanding of AHCT and how it can help, financial and coverage options available, the SEP application process and that AHCT could be a better, less expensive option than COBRA coverage.

As a reminder, eligible customers who enroll between now and March 15 will have their plan go into effect on April 1, 2021, in which the first premium or monthly payment will also be due.

Please note that consumers will not be required to verify their eligibility for this SEP. Those currently enrolled in coverage through AHCT will not be eligible to use this SEP to change plans. Financial help will continue to be available to consumers who qualify.

Access Health CT will continue to offer free help: 

  • Online: AccessHealthCT.com (Live chat: AccessHealthCT.com click “Live Chat” icon) 
  • Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri.  8 AM - 4 PM
  • With Enrollment Specialists in the community 
  • In-person help at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations: 

Education Committee Appointment
 
Earlier this week I received word that I was to be appointed to the legislature's Education Committee.
 
As someone who is a former teacher and past member of the West Hartford Board of Education, I know that the most valuable thing we can give to all of our children is a high-quality, well-rounded education. There are so many ways that this can be accomplished, so I am definitely excited to work within this committee to ensure that Connecticut stands by its students and educators.
 
I also want to thank Speaker Matt Ritter and Majority Leader Jason Rojas for choosing me to be a member of this committee.

Earthquake?!
 

A 1.9 magnitude earthquake was reportedly felt in the West Hartford area at around 1:00 this morning! Thankfully, there have been no reports of injury or damage in the area.

Were you woken up by the rare earthquake?!