Geoff Luxenberg

GOVERNOR LAMONT PROVIDES UPDATE ON CONNECTICUT’S CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE EFFORTS (Latest Data as of 7:00PM on Thursday, April 9, 2020)

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

A county-by-county breakdown includes:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality and data broken down by age, gender, race, and other factors, click here.

Protections granted to residential renters during COVID-19 crisis

Governor Lamont’s order – Executive Order No. 7X – includes a provision taking the following actions to protect residential renters during the public health crisis:

• All landlords are prohibited from issuing a notice to quit or beginning eviction proceedings before July 1, 2020
• If needed for rent due in April 2020, landlords must grant tenants an automatic, 60-day grace period for payment, instead of the existing 9-day grace period
• If needed for rent due in May 2020, landlords must grant a 60-day grace period for payment upon the request of tenants
• A tenant must to notify the landlord that they have lost a job, lost hours, or otherwise lost revenue or faced significant increased expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
• If a tenant has a paid security deposit of more than one month’s rent, the tenant can apply all or part of that excess to April, May, or June rent.

Last week, Governor Lamont announced that his administration reached an agreement with over 50 credit unions and banks in Connecticut to offer mortgage relief to homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in Executive Order No. 7S, provided temporary relief regarding upcoming municipal tax payments. Homeowners should contact their lender to discuss accessing mortgage forbearance.

Extension of all previously enacted closures, distancing, and safety measures through May 20

Also under today’s executive order, the deadlines for all closure, distancing, and safety measures enacted to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 that are contained within previously enacted executive orders are extended through at least May 20. This applies to the following provisions:

• Executive Order No. 7D, Section 2, imposing limits on restaurant, bar, and private club operations
• Executive Order No. 7D, Section 3, closing on-site operations at off-track betting facilities
• Executive Order No. 7D, Section 4, closing operations at gyms, sports, fitness, and recreation facilities and movie theaters
• Executive Order No. 7F, Section 1, closing large shopping malls
• Executive Order No. 7F, Section 2, closing places of public amusement
• Executive Order No. 7H, Section 1, imposing safety and distancing measures for workplaces and non-essential businesses
• Executive Order No. 7N, Section 1, prohibiting social and recreational gatherings of more than five people
• Executive Order No. 7N, Section 3, restricting retail operations

**Download: Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7X

Governor Lamont and Education Commissioner Cardona announce plans to extend the cancellation of classes at schools until at least May 20

Governor Lamont, in consultation with State Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, yesterday announced that he soon plans to sign an executive order extending the date for which classes at all public schools statewide remain canceled until at least May 20.

“Out of the best interests of the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff, we feel this is the best approach at this time,” Governor Lamont said. “We’ll continue consulting with our public health experts and education officials in the coming weeks as the situation continues to change. I want everyone to know that this is done out of an abundance of caution, and our education officials will continue to speak with school districts to help amplify their learn-from-home initiatives during this difficult time.”

The governor plans to sign the order in the coming days.

Financial assistance available for minority and women-owned small businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic

Minority and women-owned businesses with 20 or fewer employees can now apply for a zero-interest line of credit up to $20,000 to help them navigate the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 Business Response Program will be administered and underwritten by Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO). Companies can learn more about the program and apply for assistance by visiting HEDCO’s website.

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.