COVID-19 Updates 7/31

STATS
July 31, 2020

I hope you are continuing to stay strong because we will get through this together. Here is the latest on COVID-19 data, resources, and words of encouragement from local, national, and world leaders.
Local and National Data Updates
(Latest Data as of 4:00 PM on Friday, July 31, 2020)
 
  Confirmed Cases    Deaths    Tests Completed
Worldwide 17.7 Million 681,090  
U.S. 4.69 Million 156,266 58.4 Million
Connecticut   49,810 4,432 792,040
Waterbury 2,248 191  

For several additional charts and tables containing more data groups, including a town-by-town breakdown of positive cases in each municipality and a breakdown of cases and deaths among age groups, click here.

Positivity for the Future

“As the nation is seeing huge spikes in Florida Texas, Arizona, and up to 28 states are trending upwards, including Puerto Rico! I’m asking Connecticut residence to be extra cautious of your circle, travels, and in particular, your surroundings. The first phase of COVID-19 hasn't finished yet, we just need to remain vigilant as August approaches and people are anxious regarding the end of Summer, the education situation, and their own economic situation." - State Rep. Geraldo Reyes
 
Special Session Highlight

I had the opportunity to speak about the importance of H.B. 6004 and how it relates to my constituents and minorities. We must hold police accountable for violent and egregious actions that target inappropriately communities of color. I’m extremely proud of my colleagues in the people’s House for passing this Draft of the bill. We must all work collectively to change the temperament and sentiment of this country.

Eversource to Suspend Rate Increase

After the legislature reached out with our concerns, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) ordered Eversource to restore prior rates as of June 30, no later than August 7, while their investigation continues. We are also told that PURA is planning a hearing in August.

As soon as it becomes available, I will share any information and other details about the hearing as well as how and when the rate rollback will be implemented.

Please know that my colleagues and I in the legislature will continue to work with all parties on viable solutions to address the reasons behind these increases.

I encourage you to contact PURA at 1-800-382-4586 or by email

with your concerns.

Connecticut Temporary Housing Assistance Initiatives

The Department of Housing and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, launched temporary housing assistance initiatives to help renters and homeowners address the economic impact related to COVID-19. The temporary housing assistance initiatives are:

  • Temporary Rental Housing Assistance Program (TRHAP)
  • Temporary Mortgage Assistance Program (T-MAP).

These programs follow the announcement of a comprehensive state response by Governor Lamont authorizing the use of state and federal resources.

The programs will be offering assistance to renters and homeowners in order to prevent eviction actions/foreclosures. This will address both the arrearage caused by income loss and/or greater expenses due to COVID-19 that have negatively impacted a household’s ability to pay their full monthly rent over the next number of months.

Program entry intake to determine pre-qualification for TRHAP and TMAP assistance, Threshold Eligibility Information may be submitted in ONE of TWO ways:

  • Renters applying for assistance click here
    • Homeowners can use the Call Center option or go to the website

Click the respective link above, complete the questionnaire in full on line, and hit Submit; Or

  • Call 1-860-785-3111 and speak to a Call Center Representative, Monday thru Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

DOH and CHFA are working in coordination with eleven (11) HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agencies. Eligible renters and homeowners will have access to temporary assistance as described above.

For more information on the resources, please see the following websites:

Regional travel advisory expanded to include more locations with high COVID-19 infection rates

The regional travel advisory between Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York that went into effect last month and directs incoming travelers from states with a significant community spread of COVID-19 to self-quarantine for a 14-day period was updated and now also includes Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

The quarantine applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.

As of today, the full list of locations meeting this criteria includes:

  • Alaska
  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Iowa
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • New Mexico
  • Nevada
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Puerto Rico
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Wisconsin

This list will continue to be updated on a regular basis as the situation develops across the country. Anyone seeking the most up-to-date information on the regional travel advisory is encouraged to visit the state’s coronavirus website.
Millions Invested for Students

In anticipation of schools reopening in the fall, the state of Connecticut has launched a $43.5 million initiative to boost access to internet and technology for students and families in need. The funds will be used to purchase laptops, improve home internet connectivity, and build 200 public WiFi hotspots across the state.