COVID Weekly Roundup

May 15, 2020

To help you and our neighbors stay up-to-date on the ever-evolving stream of information related to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, my office and I are working to provide news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

Below you can find information on the following topics:

  • Re-Opening the State
  • Resources for Victims/Survivors of Domestic Violence
  • The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
  • CVS Rapid Testing

Reopening the State
Connecticut is taking a gradual approach to reopening the state. Thanks to the social distancing measures we put in place and near universal cooperation, we have seen a daily decline in hospitalizations across the state. In order to protect our most vulnerable peers, it is crucial that this is done safely and deliberately.  Next Wednesday, May 20, the first set of businesses will be allowed to reopen. 

Documents containing the rules for the first phase of reopening have been published on the state's coronavirus website - ct.gov/coronavirus - and are available to download directly at these links:

All businesses subject to these rules will be required to self-certify prior to opening on May 20. Click here for more information on reopening.

Resources for Victims/Survivors of Domestic Violence
The COVID-19 pandemic has created safety implications for residents across the state. With the implementation of social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, there is an increased opportunity for domestic violence as residents become further isolated and additional pressures develop that may exacerbate an already abusive relationship.

As a result, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) and their 18 member organizations have been working hard to provide flexible services that meet the everchanging needs of victims during this public health crisis. All services have remained available 24/7 via call, text, chat and email. Click here for more information.

The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program will be hosting regular live interactive discussion on Facebook Live. Please joins Mairead Painter every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:30pm to review the current state of affairs and guidance as it pertains to skilled nursing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to listen on Facebook.

CVS Rapid Testing
CVS is increasing the amount of COVID testing in Connecticut. Expanding testing capacity is key to safely reopening the state. 12 new COVID-19 testing sites have been opened. There are participating locations in Hartford, Glastonbury, Enfield, South Windsor, Cheshire, Coventry, Rocky Hill, Stratford, East Hampton, Guilford, Bethel. Click here for more information.