State Capitol Update for the Week of January 13

December 17, 2021

I’ve had a lot of conversations over the last week about how to fully connect with the holiday spirit at a time of a lot of uncertainty and anxiety.  Many of us had hoped this year would bring a return to a full range of festivities, but the Omicron and Delta variants had other plans for us. We are watching infections tick up across the state, with events and long-delayed travel being cancelled for many.  That’s hard, particularly for those who carry the burden of creating holiday magic for other family members. 
 
Sometimes you have to choose to see the positive side of things, but it’s there once you look for it. Those who are vaccinated (and, even better, had a booster shot) have a significantly reduced risk of infection, and a dramatically reduced risk of serious complications from COVID-19.  Last year, vaccination wasn’t an option, so that’s a significant improvement.   Our kids are all in their twenties now, so it’s been awhile since we’ve discussed booster shots with them, but this year it brought me joy to hear that all three of them had either had or scheduled a COVID booster shot.
 
Connecting with a faith community can bring joy and purpose this time of year.  As can more secular traditions, like Christmas cookies (I baked my first round this week and we’ve already eaten most of them), colored lights, music, and contributing to a local organization that helps ensure that everyone is warm and cared for.   There is a lot to celebrate in our community when we reflect on all the ways we have taken care of each other during the past year.  I thank all of you who have shared your stories with me and given me this opportunity to serve you.

Here’s a list of today’s topics:

  • COVID Data Update. Click here.
  • Regional Testing Sites. Click here.
  • Update on Housatonic Meadows State Park. Click here.
  • New Executive Order Takes Action on Climate Change. Click here
  • Access Your COVID Vaccine Status Virtually. Click here.
  • Access Health CT Deadline Extended. Click here.
  • Screen and Stay Update. Click here.
  • Resources from DCF for Parents. Click here.
  • Commissioner Mark Boughton to Serve as Senior Advisor to Governor Lamont. Click here

AnchorData updates on testing in Connecticut
 
The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.
 

Overall Summary Total Change Since Yesterday
COVID-19 Cases (confirmed and probable) 455,566 +1,443
COVID-19 Tests Reported (molecular and antigen) 12,992,187 +21,269
Daily Test Positivity -- 6.78%
Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19 736 +26

 

 
Of the 736 patients currently hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, 563 (76.5%) are not fully vaccinated.
 
For the week beginning December 5, 2021, unvaccinated persons had a 5.5x greater risk of testing positive for COVID-19 compared to fully vaccinated persons.
 
For the week beginning December 5, 2021, unvaccinated persons had a 20.1x greater risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to fully vaccinated persons.
 
Data on COVID-19 associated deaths is updated once per week every Thursday. The most recently reported total number of deaths is 9,002.
 
County-by-county breakdown of current COVID-19 hospitalizations:
 

County Current COVID-19 Hospitalizations
Fairfield County 151
Hartford County 226
Litchfield County 21
Middlesex County 38
New Haven County 221
New London County 56
Tolland County 5
Windham County 18
Total 736

 

 
For a series of interactive graphs and maps that provide additional data, including metrics related to age, gender, and race/ethnicity, as well as data broken down by every town and city in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”
 
Breakthrough cases in Connecticut
 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is reporting that as of December 16, 2021, a total of 34,966 cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated persons in Connecticut have been confirmed. Of the more than 2.5 million people in Connecticut who have completed their vaccine series, 1.43% have contracted the virus.
 
For more data on breakthrough cases in Connecticut, see pages 6 through 9 of this week’s extended COVID-19 data report.
 
All Connecticut residents over the age of 5 are currently eligible to receive the vaccines. To locate a vaccination clinic, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
 
Variants in Connecticut
 
The following data contains the cumulative number of SARS-CoV-2 variants that have been identified among Connecticut residents as of today:
 
Variants of concern
 

  • B.1.617.2 and AY lineages (Delta): 13,140 cases
  • B.1.1.529 and BA lineages (Omicron): 40 cases

  
For more information on variants, see pages 10 and 11 of this week’s extended COVID-19 data report.
 
Weekly COVID-19 Alert Map: 164 of 169 municipalities in red zone alert level
 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health released its weekly COVID-19 Alert Map, which indicates that 164 municipalities are currently in the red zone alert level, the highest of the state’s four alert levels.  All 5 towns that are not in the red zone are in the Northwest corner – three of those (Sharon, Falls Village and Norfolk) are in the 64th District.
 
 
AnchorRegional testing sites
 
Kent continues to offer COVID-19 testing at the Transfer Station at 38 Maple Street.  The dates have shifted during the holidays, and testing will be available from 4pm to 7pm on 12/16, 12/20, 12/22, 12/27, 12/29 and 1/3.  For more information, click here.
 
Testing is also available at 2 Pickett District Road in New Milford at Pettibone.  Starting on December 15, testing will be available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 6pm, and on Saturday 10am to 3pm.  Walk-ins are welcome, but to pre-register go to testct.online.
 
**DownloadConnecticut State Department of Education survey results of school districts participating in Screen and Stay
 
 
AnchorUpdate on Housatonic Meadows State Park
 
A little over a month ago, the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) cut down an entire stand of mature oak trees lining the bank of the Housatonic River in Housatonic Meadows State Park, with no notice.  Many calls, emails, meetings, and site visits have followed in the wake of general alarm in the community about this action. 
 
After the last round of conversation questioning this action (as well as DEEP’s stated intention to remove additional trees marked as “hazards”), DEEP agreed to our request that work continue to be paused until a public meeting can be held.  Currently DEEP is placing a series of signs warning about potentially hazardous trees in the park, and will shortly close the gate on the road leading to the boat launch to limit access to that part of the park until the situation is resolved. 
 
The next round of conversation will concern scheduling that public meeting (likely to take place early in January 2022), and ensuring that DEEP is prepared to address particular questions.  With respect to the work already done, DEEP should address what their intended process was (with respect to both communication, and the designation of trees as “hazards”), and whether they followed it. With respect to the future, they should be prepared to discuss changes to the process, replanting of the river bank, and enhancements to the park.  If you have other issues you’d like to make sure they’re prepared to address, please let me know and I will make sure DEEP is aware.

AnchorNew Executive Order takes action on climate change

Connecticut is increasingly experiencing the effects of the changing climate, and precious little time remains to take action to mitigate the impacts the state will experience in the future. The state’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report shows that emissions from the transportation and building sectors are increasing, and that the state is not on track to meet its interim 2030 target.

That is why Connecticut, under a new executive order, is taking 23 specific steps to reduce our carbon footprint, protect our natural resources, and increase our reliance on affordable clean energy in ways which promote equity, justice, and health.  The actions cut across state agencies and sectors in the following areas:

  • Buildings and infrastructure;
  • Clean transportation;
  • Community climate resilience;
  • Health, equity, and environmental justice;
  • Jobs and the economy; and
  • Natural and working lands.

While Connecticut is seen as a national leader in enacting climate change and environmental protection legislation, these new actions will further solidify our state's resolve to do our part in addressing this urgent crisis. 

Click the button below to read a summary of the climate change actions to be implemented in the new executive order.

AnchorAccess your COVID Vaccine Status Virtually

As of Monday, you can now request a “SMART Health Card QR Code,” to verify your COVID vaccination status through the Department of Public Health (DPH) website. This has been an ongoing effort to provide Connecticut residents with an electronic option to verify vaccination status.
 
I know some of you are concerned about privacy. As noted below, this is a secure system and you can only access your record or that of your children. No one else has access to your records. As we live in a digital age, it only makes sense to give residents a digital option to access their vaccine status. Below you will find the step-by-step process you can take to access your SMART Health Card.

You have three ways to access your Virtual Vaccine Card:
 
Access a digital copy online

  • Get your COVID-19 Vaccination Record with the SMART Health Card QR code from the secure online CT WiZ Public Portal. In the portal:
    • Enter basic identification questions.
    • A code will be sent to you via text or email for verification.
    • Click the top tab to download your COVID vaccination status to your device.

Call the DPH Immunization Program

  • Call (860) 509-7929 Monday – Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM to request your (or your child’s) COVID vaccination record be mailed or faxed to you.
  • You will need to submit proof of identification before the printed COVID Vaccine Card is sent to you.

Request a mailed or faxed copy online

  • Complete this submission form to securely request your (or your child’s) COVID vaccination status be mailed or faxed to you. In the form:
    • Enter basic identification questions.
    • Verify how you would like the Vaccine Card to be delivered.
    • Submit form for approval.
  • You will need to submit proof of identification before the printed COVID Vaccine Card is sent to you.

Privacy Protections in Place

The CT WiZ Public Portal will only allow you to search your own record or your child’s record if they are under age 18. The public portal will not allow you to search or access another person’s record.

  • In order to access your vaccination record through the secure CT WiZ Public Portal, it uses "two-factor authentication" to verify your identity.
    • After entering your search information, you select either text or email to receive your verification code sent to your mobile phone or email that matches your record in CT WiZ as reported from the vaccination clinic. Once you enter this code from your phone or email, you can access your record.
  • In order to access your vaccination record upon request from the CT Department of Public Health, you must securely submit proof of identification before your record is mailed to you.

If you access your Virtual Vaccine Card which has a QR code, you can use this to securely provide proof of vaccination. You will also be asked for a photo identification when you show your QR code to ensure security of your vaccination record.

Having Trouble Accessing?

If you tried to access your (or your child’s) COVID vaccination status through the CT WiZ Public Portal and the record was not found, or you need to request an update on the record, or for other assistance, please complete this submission form

  • This is the same submission form as requesting a mailed copy
  • Select the option to update COVID vaccination status

If you need assistance by phone, you may call (860) 509-7929 Monday – Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM.

  • This is the same contact number as requesting a Vaccine Card over the phone
  • There will be an option to update COVID vaccination status

For more information on how to use the CT WiZ Public Portal, click here. For more information on your Virtual Vaccine Card and how to save it to your phone or onto an app, click here.

AnchorConnecticut residents have more time to enroll in a health insurance plan through Access Health CT
 
Connecticut residents have more time to shop, compare and enroll in a quality health insurance plan with coverage starting January 1, 2022. The deadline to enroll for coverage starting January 1, 2022 has been extended from December 15 to December 31, 2021.  
 
Customers who enroll between December 16 and December 31, 2021 will have the option to choose whether their coverage will start on January 1, 2022 or February 1, 2022. Customers who enroll between January 1, 2022 and January 15, 2022 will have coverage beginning February 1, 2022. 
 
Access Health CT is the only place to qualify for financial help to lower costs, and some Connecticut residents may be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through the HUSKY Health Program (Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Plan) and the Covered Connecticut Program.
 
Connecticut residents can find free help and enroll in-person, online or by phone. 
 
For free online help, residents may visit AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “live chat” icon to connect with a customer service representative in real-time. Live chat is available Monday – Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., and select Saturdays from 9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.  
 
For free in-person help, residents may work with a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. To find a certified broker or enrollment specialist, visit the Get Help page. In addition, residents may visit any of Access Health CT’s enrollment locations or either of the Navigator partner locations.
 
In addition to the usual enrollment locations, Access Health will host a one-day enrollment fair on January 8 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Torrington Library, located at 12 Daycoeton Place. Locations will welcome customers by appointment, with limited walk-in availability and strict safety protocols in place (mask-wearing, hand sanitizing, temperature checks, social distancing and a standard health questionnaire). Dates and times are subject to change.  Secure an appointment in advance by registering online, as walk-in appointments will be based on availability. To book an appointment, go to AccessHealthCT.com and select “Get Help,” and then choose the event and register by completing the form.  
 
Residents may also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and select Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 15, the call center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. On Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 31, the call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
 
The 2022 annual Open Enrollment period began Nov. 1, and Connecticut residents can enroll or renew their health insurance plan until Jan. 15, 2022.  
 
 
AnchorSurvey results on school district participation in COVID-19 Screen and Stay initiative
 
More than 80% of public school districts in Connecticut are opting to participate in the state’s COVID-19 Screen and Stay initiative, according to the results of a survey recently conducted by the Connecticut State Department of Education.
 
Under the initiative, which was announced by the governor last month, K-12 students and school staff identified as close contacts to a known COVID-19 case but who are not yet fully vaccinated will be able to remain in school if they were wearing masks and don’t develop symptoms. Districts have the option of participating.
 
The survey, which was conducted between November 18 and December 6, found that 162 districts (81.4%) have chosen to participate and 28 districts (14.1%) are opting not to participate. The remaining 9 districts (4.5%) reported to the state that they are undecided. Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker noted that the survey results may not reflect current participation as districts continue to have the ability to opt in. 
 
AnchorThe CT Department of Children & Families (DCF) Posts Children's Behavioral Health Resource Guides for Parents

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all of us. Children, in particular, have experienced increased mental and behavioral health concerns due to anxiety caused by the changes they have experienced in their lives, extended isolation and loss of family members. Parents have struggled to find local mental health providers to help their children cope or recommend appropriate treatments. 
 
To address the growing need to direct parents away from hospital emergency departments to other treatment options, the General Assembly's Committee on Children championed Public Act 21-116 last session. The act requires DCF to develop an electronic document for each health region designated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) describing the behavioral and mental health evaluation and treatment resources available to children by 12/1/21. DCF, understanding the need for immediate relief, was able to compile the information sooner and posted the resource guides in early November. 
 
The guides can be found at www.connectingtocarect.org/support-services
  
The guides will be updated annually. The Behavioral Health Partnership Oversight Council (BHPOC) will now distribute them electronically to hospitals so parents seeking help for their children in emergency departments can receive the information. The resource guides will also be shared with parents and guardians through their local board of education.
 
For a detailed introduction to finding help for children, click here . This document includes a list of places to get help for children.  The document was put together by the legislative Committee on Children alongside mental health professionals, doctors, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and others.
 
 
AnchorCommissioner Mark Boughton named to serve as senior advisor to Governor for Infrastructure
 
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton will serve as the Governor’s senior advisor for infrastructure. In this new role, Commissioner Boughton will act as the Lamont administration’s senior voice on infrastructure and will coordinate multi-agency approaches to administering funds from the recently approved, bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
  
While Commissioner Boughton is taking on this added responsibility, his primary role within the administration will continue to be as commissioner of the Department of Revenue Services.
 
 
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.