Josh Elliott

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, click here.

Governor Lamont signs 67^th executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order – the 67^th since he enacted the emergency declarations – that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of the virus. Executive Order No. 7OOO enacts the following provisions:

• Extension of expanded outdoor dining: Extends previously enacted provisions regarding outdoor dining through November 12, 2020.
• Modification of the extension of 30-day period of credit for liquor permittees: Modifies the period of credit available to certain liquor permittees so that the maximum period of credit shall be 60 days after the date of delivery.
• Extension of eviction moratorium: Extends the previously enacted moratorium on residential evictions to October 1, 2020.
• Resumption of certain requirements and deadlines regarding civil and family matters: Amends a previously enacted executive order regarding defaults and nonsuits in civil and family matters.

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

Department of Aging and Disability Services provides guidance on the reopening of senior centers

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services today released a document providing guidance for senior centers that will allow for the safe reopening of their facilities. The guidance was developed in partnership with senior centers, municipalities, and state and local health representatives. It is intended to provide senior centers with the discretion to expand the virtual programs and services that they have been providing during the pandemic beginning September 1.

Guidance provided to senior centers as they begin their reopening planning includes:

• Capacity limits
• Cleaning protocols
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment
• Contact Tracing
• Training and Certification

The entire reopen guidance document can be found on the Department of Economic and Community Development’s website under Phase II of the reopen guidelines. Each local senior center throughout the state will be making their own individual decisions regarding specific opening timelines and available programs.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is urging farmers and producers in the state to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance program to provide vital financial assistance to absorb sales losses and increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Monday, August 17, 2020, approximately 100 applications for Connecticut producers have been approved, totaling $6.88 million in payments.

The USDA is accepting applications now through September 11, 2020. Producers should apply through the Farm Service Agency at their local USDA Service Center.

In response to comments and data received by the public, USDA announced on July 9 that it would make more than 40 additional specialty crop commodities eligible for the program. Nearly 60 additional commodities were announced on August 11, including additions to specialty crops and livestock along with the inclusion of nursery crops and cut flowers, aquaculture, and certain types of eggs. In addition to these newly eligible commodities, USDA also expanded funding categories for several commodities and adjusted payment rates for others.

For more details on the program, click here.