Workers' Compensation for Front-Line Workers Who've Become Sick

June 17, 2020

I know you're sick of COVID-19 updates, but as we enter phase 2 of reopening, it's more important than ever that all of us do our part to prevent a second wave in cases like we are seeing in other states. 

That means continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet from others. 

The last thing any of us want is to turn back the clock on all the progress that we've made since the declaration of the public and civil preparedness emergency. We all want to get back out there and support our amazing local businesses, please be sure to do so responsibly. 

Below I have included information on the following topics:

  • COVID-19 Update
  • Stimulus Payments for Nursing Home Residents
  • Worker's Compensation For Front-Line Workers Who've Become Sick
  • Spotlighting Local Excellence

COVID-19 Update

 

As of Wednesday at 4 p.m., a total of 45,429 cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. This includes 43,487 laboratory-confirmed cases and 1,942 probable cases. Wednesday's numbers represent the lowest percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in the state since the pandemic began. Additionally, with a total of 188 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, hospitalization rates in the state have dipped below 200 for the first time since mid-March. For a county-by-county breakdown of cases or to view additional data, please click the image above. 

54th Executive Order Signed

Wednesday the Governor signed Executive Order No. 7AAA to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, reopen the state economy, and streamline public services. The executive order enacts the following provisions:

  • Clarifies Executive Order No. 7F, Sections 3-5 to remain in effect;
  • Allows the Office of Early Childhood commissioner to increase permissible total numbers of children that a child care facility may serve in one space and in one facility;
  • Allows agricultural and horticultural societies to continue to receive certain tax benefits without conducting a required annual agricultural fair; and
  • Modifies the mandatory staff testing program for nursing home and other congregate setting staff to set conditions for testing to cease after 14 consecutive days without a positive case and to require resumed testing if any staff member or residents tests positive.

Read Executive Order No. 7AAA here.

CT DOT Reminds Travelers to Wear Face Coverings, Social Distance

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has prioritized several safety measures as the state enters Phase 2 of reopening. Train and bus service is being augmented to provide additional service.

Service providers will continue daily cleaning of buses and rail cars until further notice, and riders are encouraged to wear face coverings and avoid using public transportation if they are sick. 

CTDOT is also encouraging pedestrians to "Stop the Spread, Bump the Button" with their elbow or arm at pedestrian crosswalks rather than using their hands. 

Rail service on the New Haven Line, Hartford Line, and Shore Line East continues to operate on a reduced schedule as there is still capacity for returning riders. Danbury Line and Waterbury Line service remains suspended to accelerate ongoing capital projects. 

Bus service is operating on regular weekday and weekend schedules. Ridership has begun to increase following the Phase 1 reopening. 

Travelers are also reminded that 23 service plazas on I-95, Route 15, and I-395 are fully open for food, fuel, restrooms, and other amenities, and travel conveniences. The seven rest areas along I-84, I-91, and I-95 have also returned to normal operations and staffing. Enhanced cleaning services have been implemented. 

Click here to read Wednesday's full update.

To read all of the emergency orders issued by the Governor and state agencies, click here. Watch the daily news conferences here and read the press releases here

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.

Stimulus Payments for Nursing Home Residents

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong recently issued an alert concerning reports that some Medicaid-funded nursing homes have improperly seized CARES Ac stimulus payments. These payments belong to the resident, not the facility. Recipients are not required to forfeit their payments. Click here to read more.

If your or a loved one is receiving care at a Connecticut facility and you have not received your payment, please reach out to me at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.

Worker's Compensation for Front-Line Workers Who Became Sick on the Job

Over 40,000 Connecticut residents have become sick with COVID-19, many of them are front-line workers who got sick at work. 

Today, the Co-Chairs of the Insurance Committee Senator Matt Lesser and Representative Sean Scanlon, and Co-Chairs of the Labor Committee Senator Julie Kushner and Representative Robyn Porter held an oversight hearing to see how worker's compensation can help people who've contracted COVID-19 while on the job. 

If you missed it, watch the discussion here.

Spotlighting Local Excellence

Congratulations to Ansonia High School's top 10 students! This is a significant achievement and demonstrates their talent, drive and commitment to academic excellence. Read more about them in the Valley Independent Sentinel here.