COVID-19 Updates 4/17

April 17, 2020

I am sorry to report that our city has lost over 66 lives. We’ve lost beloved family members, neighbors and friends, associated with the virus. I grieve with each of you who have suffered through a real loss, the pain of not being able to say goodbye to family members and life long friends.

Continue to stay strong, we will get through this together. Here is the latest on COVID-19 data, resources, and words of encouragement from local, national, and world leaders.

Local and National Data Updates
(Latest Data as of 4:00PM on Friday, April 17, 2020)

  Confirmed Cases Deaths Tests Completed
Worldwide 2.3 Million 153,000  
U.S. 695,107 36,567 3.4 Million
Connecticut 16,809 1,036 55,462
Waterbury 929  66  

For several additional charts and tables containing more data groups, including a town-by-town breakdown of positive cases in each municipality and a breakdown of cases and deaths among age groups, click here.

Positivity for the Future

"There is nothing more important to me than the safety and security of all Waterbury, and State of CT. I am here to assist during the many crisis and challenges as we move forward to strategically rebuild our lives." - Representative Geraldo Reyes Jr.

"I truly believe that we will succeed in the task before us, so long as all the citizens of this country understand that it is also their task. We are a community in which every life and every person counts, and we will do whatever it takes." - German Chancellor Angela Merkel

IRS Economic Impact Payments

  • Tax filers who have supplied direct deposit information to the IRS began receiving payments this week
  • If you do not file, you can enter your information here to assure receipt of benefits
  • Those receiving Social Security benefits do not need to take any steps to receive their payment
  • If you file, but do not provide banking information to the IRS, you will have an opportunity, beginning today according to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, to enter this information on the IRS website. This will help you receive your funds in an expedited fashion.
  • To track the status of your refund, click here.

Unemployment Insurance News

In his daily update Wednesday, Governor Lamont had good news for those waiting on an unemployment claim.

  • A software improvement at the Connecticut Department of Labor will speed up unemployment claims. Wait period will be shortened to one week or less beginning next week.
  • Department of Labor expects that the $600 / week additional payment will begin to be processed also beginning next week.
  • The new benefit program for self-employed individuals and independent contractors begins April 30.
  • Despite the delay in processing, the payments will be retroactive.
  • The department encourages people to use the automated/ temporary shutdown system and enter direct deposit information in order to expedite payment.

Here's a link to information on unemployment eligibility in Connecticut.

COVID-19 Testing

Connecticut's first rapid COVID-19 testing center is now open at the former Gateway Community College parking lot in New Haven. The test is free for any Connecticut resident with COVID-19 related symptoms and risk factors as defined by CDC guidelines.

The testing site will use the Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 rapid-response test. Abbott claims it can show positive results for COVID-19 in approximately five minutes and negative results in less than 15 minutes. Patients will REMAIN IN THEIR VEHICLES for the test then drive to the Jordan’s Furniture parking to wait for the results.

If you are interested in receiving a test, you must make an appointment. Tests can be scheduled up to two days in advance. To register, click here.

Click here for more information.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to click here.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access. It intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.