Robin Comey

The governor's order directs all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities in Connecticut to prohibit all in-person functions if they are able to, effective Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.

KEY POINTS:

• Since yesterday’s update, an additional 35 Connecticut residents have tested positive, bringing the statewide total to 194. This includes the first case to be reported out of New London County.
• Governor Lamont today signed his ninth executive order pursuant to his emergency declaration, taking further actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Connecticut. This one:
  • Directs all non-essential businesses and not-for profit entities in Connecticut to prohibit all in-person functions effective Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.; and
  • Requires a coordinated effort between the State of Connecticut and its municipalities when responding to this emergency.
• The state has launched a framework for the donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Those looking to donate should fill out a form on 2-1-1’s website.
• Connecticut National Guard continues delivery of PPE to locations statewide.
• The Department of Public Health is taking over responsibilities from the FDA to approve all COVID-19 testing at commercial laboratories in the state.
• St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport has added a drive-through testing site, bringing the statewide total of these locations to 16.
• Governor Lamont and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman conducted a conference call with more than 5,000 small businesses owners and leaders throughout the state to begin a discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on businesses.
• The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services is extending filing and payment deadlines for personal income tax returns to July 15, 2020.
• The DMV announced today a series of new extensions and waivers on several credentials, including vehicle registrations, emissions testing, and other items.
• Businesses experiencing issues regarding supply chains, delivery of goods, or business continuity should contact FEMA’s emergency operations center.

Read the governor's full press release HERE.

I just want to write a personal note of thanks to everyone for all you have been weathering. Thank you to the first responders who are answering the emergency needs of our residents in their homes. Thank you to our health care workers who are leaving their own families every day to tend to the sick during very scary times. Thank you to the staff at stores, childcare centers and pharmacies who are showing up every day to help us. Thank you to the media who is trying to get us the latest news and updates on a 24/7 basis and thank you to our business owners and restaurants who are making significant adjustments to the way they are doing business under the great strain this financial hardship is bringing. We are in this together.

To the parents and caregivers, I hope you can find a few minutes or more each day to take a break. Check in with your kids about their feelings and don't pressure them about school work too much. This is a long game, not a race to the finish. To find more information on how you can support the social emotional needs of your children, Yale School of Medicine's Partnership for Early Education Research (PEER) has put together this resource page with helpful links. I have found them useful with my family.​