COVID-19 Update, 7/29

July 29, 2020

Here is the July 29, 2020 update from Governor Ned Lamont regarding the state's coronavirus response efforts:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut
The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

*In addition to the 79 recently diagnosed cases and 12,367 tests, 384 cases and 750 tests performed between April and June were newly reported to the Department of Public Health in connection with a transition to electronic reporting by an out-of-state regional laboratory. For surveillance purposes, that data has been added to the total case and total test counts.

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

Governor Lamont signs 64th executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont yesterday evening signed another executive order – the 64th 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. 7LLL enacts the following provisions:

  • Resumption of requirements and deadlines in child protection matters: Amends Executive Order No. 7G, Section 2 to end the suspension of requirements or deadlines related to child protection matters pending before the Superior Court.

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

Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state’s CTAlert notification system

Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

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 visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance, or text CTCOVID to 898211. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 toll free by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider.

Rising Energy Costs Outcry Heard

...After hearing an outcry from customers and constituents on the recent rising energy costs, the Energy and Technology Committee, chaired by Danbury's own Representative David Arconti,  and bi-partisan legislative leaders sent a letter to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) requesting suspension of the July 1 delivery rate increase and related charges.

In the letter they asked PURA to conduct a thorough review of Eversource's request and to explore alternative cost recovery options.

Also, on Monday, our House Democratic leadership issued the following statement:  

"Connecticut residents, already pushed to financial limits because of the pandemic, now are seeing large increases to their electric bills. We want to know why. The Energy & Technology Committee should schedule an informational hearing in the near future to hear from ratepayers, utilities and state regulators."

PURA agreed to open a formal proceeding. Please reach out to PURA with your concerns at 1-800-382-4586 or by email at pura.information@ct.gov