COVID Update 5.1

May 1, 2020

Happy May Day! That would seem to have multiple meanings today, but, among them, the 1st of May represents the celebration of International Workers’ Day at a time when we are thinking a lot about “essential workers”: in hospitals, nursing homes, residential homes for the disabled, home healthcare, grocery stores, day care centers, food production and delivery, to name a few. This is work that is “essential” to our daily needs, but it is often done by workers with low wages and inadequate access to healthcare. Our reliance on these workers is starkly clear, and I hope the pandemic offers us an opportunity to reflect on the value our society and economy places on their work.

May is also Mental Health Month. The oft-cited statistic that 1 in 4 people are coping with mental health is probably an understatement during COVID-19. Over the past 6 weeks, everyone has had their lives altered and we are all learning to cope in new ways. This year’s May is Mental Health month shines a timely light on mental wellness. The “You Are Not Alone” campaign builds connection and increases awareness of how important connection is, especially during physical distancing. If you are struggling, or know someone who is, visit the NAMI website to learn more about the many resources available to you or someone you love. There are suggestions for coping, ways to seek support and many examples of people sharing their stories. There are confidential ways to find a shoulder to cry on.

Earlier this week, I included a link to the Meal Train website where you could sign up to support Sharon Hospital staff. Many asked how they could do the same for the staff at Sharon Healthcare: that website has now gone live at mealtrain.com/trains/okknwd.  Many thanks to the generous people in our community who organized this!

I also want to thank the many of you who have been filling my inbox with advocacy about voting by mail in the upcoming elections, making the compelling point that no one should have to risk their health in order to exercise their right to vote. At yesterday’s press conference, the Governor agreed that absentee voting ought to be allowed, especially for seniors, and acknowledged possibility of mailing out absentee ballot applications to everyone, or at least everyone in a certain categories of public health risk. Keep it up!

And, keep washing your hands, social distancing, and wearing masks in public. As I was reminded in emphatic terms on a call with two prominent epidemiologists this week: it works.

Here’s a list of today’s topics:

  • Governor Lamont outlines phased-in approach to reopening Connecticut’s economy
  • Executive Order No. 7HH, which includes Mandatory suspension of annual town meeting or referendum to adopt budget
  • Executive Order 7GG, with various modifications of earlier orders
  • Department of Social Services preparing new Medicaid coverage for uninsured during COVID-19 public health emergency
  • Connecticut Department of Labor launches new system for self-employed to apply for federal unemployment benefits
  • Connecticut Judicial Branch expands remote capabilities to include more family cases
  • Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt to lead effort to consolidate food supply chain
  • Local support for anyone experiencing domestic violence
  • SSI and VA recipients reminded to take action by May 5 to receive federal stimulus payments for dependents
  • Additional SNAP benefits coming May 8 for nearly 100,000 households in Connecticut

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Updated list of nursing homes and assisted living facilities with residents who have tested positive for COVID-19

The following documents are updated lists of every nursing home and assisted living facility in Connecticut with residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, along with corresponding data regarding the number of related fatalities among residents in each facility. The data was reported to the state by each of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These lists are updated on a weekly basis.

**Download: Connecticut Nursing Homes with Residents Positive for COVID-19 as of April 29, 2020

**Download: Connecticut Assisted Living Facilities with Residents Positive for COVID-19 as of April 29, 2020

Governor Lamont outlines phased-in approach to reopening Connecticut’s economy

During his daily news briefing on Thursday, Governor Lamont presented some details of the approach his administration is considering to reopen Connecticut’s economy in phases beginning May 20, 2020. To watch the full video of the governor’s news briefing, click here.

There are a number of public health criteria that need to be met before re-opening:

  • 14-day decline in hospitalizations: today marks the 9th straight day that hospitalizations have decreased. [confirm that with today’s stats]
  • Increased testing available: the state is currently doing about 2,000 tests per day, and need to get to 6,000 per day by May 20, but the state is optimistic that we can hit that target.
  • Sufficient contact tracing capacity: this is a current area of emphasis, and the state has deployed 300 people working in state and local public health departments, and is targeting another 400-500 volunteers from academic institutions, to begin wide-spread contact tracing, including, specifically, in our district.
  • Protect high-risk populations: this means, in particular, nursing homes, the incarcerated, people living in dense urban environments, and other vulnerable populations.
  • Adequate healthcare capacity: this is what drove the medical surge plan, which resulted, among other things, in the creation of a field hospital outside Sharon Hospital, and the conversion of Sharon Health Care Center into a COVID Recovery Facility.
  • Adequate supply of PPE: the state is now receiving significant shipments of PPE, including gowns, which were one of the biggest recent challenges.
  • Appropriate physical distancing regulations: there are broad protections in place (keeping six feet of distance, wearing masks in public, for example), and there will be specific rules tailored to the circumstances of a particular business or context.

If we can meet these targets, the state will move toward loosening restrictions on certain kinds of businesses, beginning on May 20.

One of the most important points from the Governor’s presentation was that “reopening” the economy isn’t just a matter of having the state turn the faucet back on. As the following graph demonstrates, a significant part of the economic shut down came about not because the government ordered the closure of these businesses, but because these businesses chose to close, either for the safety of their workforce and customers, or because their customers were staying home and business had dried up. In order to revive that part of the economy, businesses and consumers need to be reassured that we are acting in the public health, backed up by science and data.

Governor Lamont signs Executive Order No. 7HH, enacting the following provisions:

  1. Mandatory suspension of annual town meeting or referendum to adopt budget: This clarifies that going forward, the relevant elected body or bodies in each municipality must adopt a budget for 2020-2021 without an in-person vote by residents. It also validates any budget referendum or annual town meeting that has already been conducted. This order clarifies Executive Order No. 7I, Section 13, to provide uniformity and consistency, and prioritize safety while the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in large gatherings remains high.
  2. Authorization for common-interest communities to hold meetings remotely: This allows common interest communities, such as condominium associations and homeowners associations, to conduct business remotely and hold votes entirely by ballot if their by-laws or governing documents do not already permit it.

Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7GG, enacting the following provisions:

  • Extension of payment time for sealed ticket revenue due to the state: Allows sealed ticket distributors, who must make quarterly payments to the state, to provide uncollected money from this quarter in next quarter’s payment. Many sealed ticket purchases are nonprofit organizations that have closed as a result of the ongoing emergency, thereby making it difficult for sealed ticket distributors to collect revenue due to the distributor for the first quarter of 2020.
  • Waiver of notarization requirement for embalmer’s affidavit accompanying death certificates: Permits licensed embalmers who are filing a death certificate for a person who had a communicable disease at the time of death to state on a form that the body has been disinfected in accordance with the Public Health Code by providing a signed statement under penalty of false statement instead of a notarized affidavit. This allows licensed embalmers to more quickly file death certificates with registrars of vital statistics without the in-person contact required for an affidavit.
  • Temporary suspension of controlled substance registration: Temporarily suspends the controlled substance registration requirement for out-of-state health care workers who are rendering temporary assistance in Connecticut in accordance with an order from the Department of Public Health.
  • Modification of state contracting statutes to facilitate the emergency procurement of essential services: Temporarily waives certain state contracting statutes in order to expedite the procurement of critical services, which may include diagnostic testing for COVID-19, that are urgently needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic or that will result in disruptions of care for vulnerable populations during this emergency period.
  • Modification of state contracting authorities to facilitate the emergency procurement of essential services: Temporarily waives certain state contracting statutes in order to expedite the procurement of critical services, which may include diagnostic testing for COVID-19, that that are urgently needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic or its effects.
  • Modification of state construction requirements to facilitate the emergency provision of construction and construction-related services: Temporarily waives the competitive solicitation requirement in order to expedite the provision of construction or construction-related services in response to emergency needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Extension of existing contracts to prevent gaps in necessary services: Permits the amendment or extension of the renewal deadline of any expiring contract for services until September 30, 2020, provided that the failure to provide an extension would compromise the continuity of state agency systems, operations, or critical services to vulnerable populations.

Department of Social Services preparing new Medicaid coverage for uninsured during COVID-19 public health emergency

The Connecticut Department of Social Services is preparing to implement new coverage for uninsured children and adults in the HUSKY Health program as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This will include:

  • Medicaid for the Uninsured/COVID-19: Uninsured state residents of any income level may be eligible for free Medicaid coverage of COVID-19 testing and testing-related provider visits. This new federally-funded Medicaid coverage group will cover both citizens and qualifying non-citizens for testing and provider visits incurred between March 18, 2020 and the end of the public health emergency. HUSKY Health providers are advised to retain records regarding COVID-19 testing and testing-related provider visits for eligible individuals, starting March 18 and through the duration of the public health emergency, for purposes of Medicaid reimbursement. The Department of Social Services expects to issue more detailed guidance on this new coverage group, including processes for enrollment and claiming, by mid-May. At that point, individuals who received care on or after March 18 and were eligible for coverage at the time services were provided will be able to receive retroactive coverage.
  • Emergency Medicaid for Non-Citizens/COVID-19: Connecticut residents who meet financial eligibility requirements but do not qualify for full Medicaid due to their immigration status, including undocumented individuals, are eligible to receive Medicaid to treat an emergency medical condition. COVID-19 testing and testing-related provider visits are emergency visits that will be covered by Emergency Medicaid. Emergency Medicaid is not a factor in federal immigration ‘public charge’ determinations. The Department of Social Services expects to issue more detailed guidance, including processes for enrollment and claiming for testing and testing-related services, by mid-May. At that point, individuals who received care within the prior three months and were eligible for coverage at the time services were provided will be able to receive retroactive coverage. HUSKY Health providers are advised that coverage for hospitalization will be handled through existing processes for Emergency Medicaid coverage.

Connecticut Department of Labor launches new system for self-employed to apply for federal unemployment benefits

The Connecticut Department of Labor began accepting claim applications on Thursday for the self-employed, many of whom are eligible to collect unemployment insurance benefits under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program.

Federal guidelines require that self-employed individuals, including independent contractors and “gig” workers, first apply through the Connecticut unemployment system located at www.filectui.com. Applicants must receive a determination notice in the mail from the Connecticut Department of Labor before they can apply on the newly-designed Pandemic Unemployment Assistance online system that will also be located at www.filectui.com.

Self-employed individuals must follow this two-step application process:

  • STEP ONE: Beginning April 30
    • File a regular state claim application with the Connecticut Department of Labor at www.filectui.com using the BLUE button to file.
    • NOTE: Self-employed individuals who already filed a claim application through this system should not file again. The agency has these original claims and a duplicate is not needed.
    • After completing and submitting an application, claimants should look for an email from the Connecticut Department of Labor stating, “Thank you for submitting your online application for unemployment compensation benefits with the Connecticut Department of Labor. … Please look for a CONFIRMATION EMAIL notifying you that your claim has been processed. This email will include your NEXT STEPS information including instructions for when to start filing your weekly claims.”
    • Claimants should then be on the lookout for a second email from the Connecticut Department of Labor stating, “Your claim for benefits has been processed! If this is a new claim then we are sending information regarding your claim via US mail.”
    • Claimants should then look for their eligibility determination (Form UC-58 Monetary Determination) that must be sent through the US mail service.
      • If the UC-58 Monetary Determination shows that the claimant has a “zero” weekly benefit rate (which means they do not have wage earnings in the state system) they are not eligible for state benefits and are eligible to file in the ReEmployCT system for self-employed individuals.
      • If the UC-58 Monetary Determination shows a weekly benefit rate, they have wage earnings in the state system and are entitled to collect state unemployment benefits.
  • STEP TWO: Once the UC-58 has been received via US mail
    • Go to www.filectui.com and click the PUA button.
    • The PUA system will have a record of the claimant’s state benefit ineligibility status.
    • Complete the PUA application.
      • Applicants will need their 2019 IRS forms, 1099, 2019 W-2s, and Schedule C. Applicants will be asked to provide earnings for 2019, broken down by quarters. Those without tax records for 2019 can self-attest their earnings, but will be subject to audit.
      • Applicants will be asked the date when COVID-19 impacted their employment. Federal guidelines allow this to go back to February 2, 2020. If an unemployed status goes back to retroactive weeks, the system asks the claimant for weekly earnings through the current week filing.
    • Once the PUA application is completed, if applicants did not select a payment method when filing under the state unemployment system, they will select their method of payment (direct deposit or debit card – the agency recommends direct deposit for much faster payment). Payment selection is made by returning to www.filectui.com and selecting the “method of payment” green button.

A frequently asked questions document located on the Connecticut Department of Labor’s website is being updated to include a section on the PUA application process, guidelines, and additional details.

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Connecticut Department of Labor.

Connecticut Judicial Branch expands remote capabilities to include more family cases

The Connecticut Judicial Branch announced that effective immediately, parties who have an agreement may have their family court cases resolved without having to come to court.

Under the new procedures for family cases, parties with full written agreements in family court matters may request approval of their agreements without having to come to the courthouse for a hearing. The procedure is available to request the entry of final judgment in any action for custody, visitation between parents, dissolution of marriage or legal separation, or any final order on any motion in such a case, as long as the parties are in complete agreement and file all necessary documents.

For more information on how these procedures will work, check out the explanation on the Judicial Branch’s website.

Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt to lead effort to consolidate food supply chain

Earlier this week, Governor Lamont asked Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt to lead the effort to consolidate our food supply chain to better facilitate the movement of food from Connecticut's agricultural producers to retail and food bank distribution centers, focusing on food insecurity, systems, distribution, and availability.

Recent work includes maximizing the use of Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP), in coordination with the Department of Social Services. They have already partnered to provide free, wireless SNAP terminals to farmers' markets and direct marketing farmers.

Here are excerpts from a recent communication from Commissioner Hurlburt:

Coronavirus has highlighted the shortfalls of our supply chain starting with hand sanitizer and toilet paper shortages at the onset. There is no mistaking that food is abundant but our supply chain is fragile. Over the past week we have heard from the nation's meat producers with indications of potential shortages of beef, poultry, and pork as processing facilities face closures due to COVID-19. Dairy farmers continue to experience challenges as cooperatives implement production quotas as processing and storage facilities reach maximum capacity as market access remains disrupted.

Throughout all of these uncertain times, I remain humbled at the generosity and responsiveness of our entire agricultural community. Farmers are helping fellow farmers opening up new avenues to move product when none existed. Just as importantly, you are helping within your communities.

This past Wednesday was unofficially dubbed "Dairy Donation Day" by our staff as various efforts took place throughout the state to move milk and dairy products into the hands of those in need. In fact, six of the state's eight counties received dairy donations to be distributed to their food pantries and feeding sites. I had the opportunity to see first-hand the impact of those donations.

While at Rentschler Field for the Foodshare distribution of milk donated by Guida's Dairy, I learned that nearly 75% of the those surveyed were experiencing food insecurity for the first time ever. That is a staggering statistic.

To date, more than 25,000 gallons of milk and 28,000 pounds of dairy products have distributed. The amount of coordination this took is impressive and would not have happened without those who stepped up to provide leadership, organization, and a willingness to help their neighbors.

As your Agriculture Commissioner I am continuing to work on your behalf with our congressional delegation to leverage federal support to assist you through these unprecedented times and encourage you to continue submitting your suggestions, thoughts and concerns to AGR.Covid19@ct.gov for our team to address.

Local support for anyone experiencing domestic violence

In addition to statewide resources described in an earlier newsletter, local agencies are fully operational and available 24/7 for local support, resources, and safety planning:

  • Women’s Support Services in Sharon: www.wssdv.org Hotline is 860-364-1900, or
  • Susan B Anthony Project in Torrington: sbaproject.org Hotline is 860-482-7133.

Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state’s CTAlert notification system

Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

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 visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

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.