Kara Rochelle

A lot of information has been thrown at you over the last week and we know at times it can be a bit overwhelming.  To alleviate some of the stress of wondering where to find it all, our team has compiled some helpful information on a variety of topics below.  If we have missed something, though, please reach out and we will do our best to find you a response.

In response to COVID-19, below you will find:

• Governor Lamont's Update
• Recommendations to Minimize Exposure
• What to do if you're sick
• Blood donations
• Volunteering opportunities
• Healthcare and Insurance Resources
• Resources for Workers
• Resources for Employers
• Resources for Consumers
• Resources for Seniors
• Food Information
• Education Resources
• Family resources
• Public Transportation
• Information for Pet Owners
• Primary Elections Update

Stay safe.  Stay healthy.  Stay Informed.

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 860-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates. 

All my Best,

Kara Rochelle
State Representative

During his daily COVID-19 press conference update Friday, the Governor directed Connecticut residents to "Stay Safe, Stay at Home." 

He also signed an executive order directing all non-essential businesses statewide to close effective Monday, March 23 at 8 p.m. until April 22. Workers of essential businesses will continue reporting for work. Essential businesses, as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, include, but are not limited to:

• Hospitals
• Dentists
• Elder Care
• Home Health Care Companies
• Pharmacies
• Grocery Stores
• Gas Stations
• Banks and Credit Unions
• Liquor/Package Stores
• Trash/Recycling Collection
• Post Offices/Shipping Services
• Legal and Accounting Services
• Pest and Landscaping Services
• Child Care

The state Department of Economic and Community Development will issue official guidance regarding essential businesses no later than 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, with the order going into effect 8 p.m. on Monday, March 23.

Individuals will not be arrested or fined, however businesses could face punishment if they fail to comply. Restaurants will be permitted to continue providing take-out, pick-up, and delivery.

Click here to read Governor Lamont's Executive Order.

You can read more about his "Stay Safe, Stay at Home" plan here.

Click here to read the Governor's Friday update.

You can read the Governor's executive orders here, and read his full updates here. To watch his daily briefings, click here. 

To ensure our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed, we must take appropriate precautions, like practicing social distancing, to limit the spread of the virus. 

The best way to avoid coronavirus and other illness is to avoid exposure.  

• Practice social distancing 
• Work from home if possible 
• Avoid large gatherings and crowded public spaces 
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds 
• If unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth 
• Stay home when you are sick 
• Individuals over 60 years of age or those who have a chronic illness should stay inside their homes
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

If you begin experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider. There are 15 drive-through test sites for people with a doctor's referral to be tested for COVID-19. Click here to read more.

• Stay home if you are mildly ill with COVID-19, and do not leave EXCEPT to receive medical care
• Stay in touch with your doctor, and call before you get medical care. If your symptoms become worse, or believe it is an emergency, seek medical attention 
• If you are sick, ensure you wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter your healthcare provider's office
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the used tissue in a trash can
• Wash your hands for AT LEAST 20 seconds. Can't wash your hands? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces, bathroom, your or the sick person's room

Emergency Warning Signs - Seek Medical Attention if:

• You have difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in your chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing these symptoms and notify the operator that you have or may have COVID-19.

When to End Home Isolation if you will not be tested:

• You have had no fever for at least 3 full days without using fever reducing medicine AND
• Other symptoms have improved AND
• At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared

When to End Home Isolation if you will be tested:

• You no longer have a fever (without using fever reducing medicine) AND
• Other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved AND
• You receive 2 negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. 

If you choose to end home isolation, consult with your primary health care provider. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.

Additional Resources on what to do if you're sick and might have COVID-19:

• CDC Symptoms & Testing
• CDC Caring for Yourself at Home
• CDC Caring for Someone at Home
• CDC Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a background in medical care? You can contact your local health department. Locate your local health department here.

If you are a nurse, you can register to volunteer through the Connecticut Nurses Association web site: www.CTNurses.org/coronavirus

There is also a need for personal protective equipment for medical workers at hospitals and long-term care facilities. This includes:

• N95 Respirators
• Face Masks/Surgical Masks
• Face Shields 
• Surgical GownsGloves (nitrile, or non-latex)
• Thermometers
• Thermometer Covers (if applicable to type of thermometer)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Other Medical Items

The public, businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations may donate these items through the Connecticut United Way/211. Click here to learn how you can donate.

DSS is also planning to:

• cover testing for COVID-19.
• make prescription drug coverage more flexible.
• eliminate cost sharing in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (HUSKY B) and for members enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.

Telemedicine coverage includes:

• implementing real-time video conferencing, as can be enabled with a smart phone, between HUSKY Health members and their health care providers for specific medical and behavioral health services. This will enable many members and doctors to communicate remotely, with Medicaid covering the virtual visit.
• broadening video conferencing to include all primary care type evaluation and management services for medical and behavioral health.

• Access Health CT recently announced a Special Enrollment Period from March 19 until April 2 for uninsured CT residents. Call an enrollment specialist at 855-365-2428.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus but don't have health insurance or a primary care doctor, call 2-1-1. A number of hospitals have set up hotlines, which you can find using the CT Hospital Association COVID-19 Update Center, here.
• Yale New Haven Health has established the COVID Call Center to answer questions about COVID-19 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. It can be reached at 833-275-9644
• “Drive-Through” Testing to be implemented at Griffin Hospital – Valley Independent Sentinel
• Waterbury Hospital Offers Drive-Through Testing – WFSB Channel 3
• The American Dental Association has recommended dentists nationwide postpone elective dental procedures. Visit the below resources for additional information
  • Connecticut State Dental Association
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• CT DOL Filing for Unemployment Benefits
• U.S. Department of Labor Guidance for Family Medical Leave Act
• Connecticut Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program
• CT DOL Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Workers and Employers

• 2019 Form CT-1065/CT-1120 SI Connecticut Pass-Though Entity Tax Return: Filing date extended to April 15, 2020; payment deadline extended to June 15, 2020
• 2019 Form CT-990T Connecticut Unrelated Business Income Tax Return: Filing date extended to June 15, 2020; payment deadline extended to June 15, 2020
• 2019 Form CT-1120 and CT-1120CU Connecticut Corporation Business Return: Filing date extended to June 15, 2020; payment deadline extended to June 15, 2020

The Connecticut DRS also advised that  due dates for filing and payment of state income taxes could be adjusted to align with any specific, actionable announcement from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding due dates for the filing and payment of federal income taxes.

Call DRS at 860-297-5962 if you have questions, or email the department.

• CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers Impacted by Coronavirus
• SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers Impacted by Coronavirus
• SBA Low-Interest Loans to Help Small Businesses Affected by Disasters
  • (Note: the SBA is currently finalizing disaster declarations related to Coronavirus. Once these are released, small businesses can apply. Check the website daily to see if/when CT will be eligible and/or call the CT SBA Office at 860-240-4700)
• DECD Guidance for Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus
• The CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) resource page for businesses impacted by coronavirus. (DECD has also deferred loan payments for all Small Business Express loans for three months).
• DECD COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Line: 860-500-2333
• CT's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) resources for small businesses impacted by coronavirus.
• CT's Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) virtual classes and counseling for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
• SCORE webinars and free mentoring for small businesses impacted by coronavirus. 
• DECD and AdvanceCT survey to get feedback from CT businesses on the impact of the coronavirus. The results will help the state better respond to businesses struggling during this difficult time. 

If someone is claiming they have a cure or vaccine for COVID-19, they are lying to you. You should stick with the experts at the CT Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). AARP (www.aarp.org/coronavirus) and the Connecticut Attorney General's office are also great resources if you are worried about COVID-19 scams.

More information and resources about targeted scams:

• Department of Consumer Protection: Scam Alert: Coronavirus Inspires Scam Artists to Target Consumers
• Connecticut Attorney General - File a Complaint: 860-808-5318
• Department of Consumer Protection - Complaint Forms and Procedures: 860-713-6300
• Federal Trade Commission
• WFSB: Stores Announce Changes in Hours During Coronavirus Outbreak
• Connecticut Insurance Department Issues Notice to Travel Insurers Due to State Emergency Declaration 
• Attorney General Tong: Handout on Price Gouging Laws in Connecticut [en español]
• Connecticut Insurance Department Provides Tips on Travel Insurance Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

• AARP Live Q&A Event: The Coronavirus
• AARP Guide for Caregivers Dealing with Coronavirus
• AARP Latest Updates on Coronavirus
• CDC COVID-19: Older Adults and Medical Conditions

• Ansonia: Mobile Meals Drop-Off program began today to provide children ages 5 - 18 with lunch and breakfast. No identification is required to receive meals. Click here to see the bus schedule and approximate drop-off times.
• Derby: Grab-and-Go breakfast & lunch will be available for Derby Public Schools students at TEAM, Inc. at 30 Elizabeth Street and Derby Middle School at 73 Chatfield St. between 11 am - 1 pm.
• The Valley United Way also has a list of area food pantries, here.
• The Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley will offer food assistance for club families.
• New England Young at Heart will offer home food delivery to residents 60 years and older for $7.95 per meal. 

• Folks who need wi-fi to help their kids stay online, AT&T, Verizon are waiving fees, promising not to terminate services, and Comcast is providing internet to low-income families during the outbreak. Click here for more information.
• Comcast recently announced it would begin offering an "Internet Essentials" package free for low-income customers for 60 days and that it would increase speeds for this package. To sign up, visit www.internetessentials.com, or call 1-855-846-8376 (for English speakers) or 1-855-765-6995 (for Spanish speakers) to sign up.
  • PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IF YOU DO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE FREE SERVICES, THAT YOU SET A REMINDER FOR WHEN THE OFFER EXPIRES TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOU WILL KEEP THE SERVICES OR NOT.  IF YOU DO NOTHING, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ENROLLED IN THEIR SERVICES AND WILL BE BILLED ACCORDINGLY

Fun stuff for kids:

• The Cincinnati Zoo will hold a “Home Safari Facebook Live” 
• Scholastic has made their resources available for free 
• The Spanish Experiment has Children’s Stories in Spanish
• Art are classes online
• Virtual Field trips to National Parks, farms and even outer space
• 150+ educational shows to stream
• PBS.org helps parents answer questions about what is going on

Additional Resources:

• Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology: Guidance for educators on how to implement remote learning
• Connecticut Department of Education: Superintendent update
• Connecticut Department of Education: Superintendent follow-up communication
• Connecticut Department of Education: Operation of Child Nutrition Programs During COVID-19 Outbreaks
• Connecticut Department of Education: Guidance to Connecticut School Districts
• U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
• Preparing for the Coronavirus at Childcare and K-12 Schools
• Preparing for the Coronavirus at Colleges and Universities

Additional resources:

• Connecticut Department of Children and Families COVID-19 Information
• CDC Resources for Home
• CT Children's Medical Center What Parents Should Know About Coronavirus
• CT Children's Medical Center Coronavirus FAQs

Due to a decrease in ridership, the Hartford Line and Shore Line East train schedules have been reduced, using weekend schedules on weekdays, and holiday schedules on the weekends. 

Metro-North New Haven lines are operating as normal.

If you plan to use rail transportation, check www.hartfordline.com, www.shorelineeast.com, and www.mta.info/mnr for updates. 

CTtransit bus service has also been impacted, but is operating on normal weekday and weekend schedules. Check www.cttransit.com for updates.

Read more information here.

• The Humane Society of the United States Coronavirus FAQs for Pet Owners
• American Veterinary Medical Association COVID-19: FAQs for Pet Owners
• CDC Animals and Coronavirus Disease

For Shelters and Rescues:

• The Humane Society of the United States Coronavirus Shelter Toolkit

For Veterinarians:

• AVMA What Veterinarians Need to Know
• AVMA COVID-19: FAQs for Veterinarians and Veterinary Clinics