November 19th COVID-19 Updates

November 19, 2020

I hope you and your family are healthy and well.

Below you will find important updates related to COVID-19, as well as information on a variety of other topics.

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on the pandemic, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.


Access Health CT Open Enrollment
 

The Access Health CT Open Enrollment period started November 1, and already thousands of Connecticut residents have explored their health insurance options. This year, Access Health CT is offering a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities for residents to shop, compare, and enroll in coverage.

Access Health is providing free assistance through the following:

  • In-Person Enrollment Locations: There are enrollment locations in Groton, Bridgeport, New Haven, New Britain, Stamford, and Hartford open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Customers must make an appointment and follow safety protocols (mask wearing, hand sanitizing, temperature checks, social distancing, and completing a health questionnaire). Find an in-person enrollment location near you here.
  • Virtual Enrollment Fairs: Customers can select the day that works best for them to speak to a customer service representative to enroll. Customers must have an internet connection and a computer, tablet, or smart phone to access their account during the call. Virtual enrollment fairs are by appointment on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Make an appointment here.
  • Online at AccessHealthCT.com
  • Live Chat: AccessHealthCT.com, click on the "Live Chat" icon
  • Phone: Call 1-855-805-4325, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Speak with a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist in your community. Find one here.

When enrolling, make sure you have the following information for yourself and those in your household applying for coverage:

  • Dates of Birth
  • Social Security numbers
  • Visa, green card or immigration documents
  • Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, Form 1099
  • Current insurance coverage
  • Paystubs, Profit & Loss statements, or other employment information to confirm income for everyone in your tax household

Open Enrollment closes December 15, 2020. Coverage begins January 1, 2021. Visit Learn.AccessHealthCT.com to learn more.


Phase 2.1 Reopening Plan Takes Effect
 

Due to a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, the state has moved to a Phase 2.1 reopening plan, a rollback of Phase 3, which includes several, stricter guidelines that have gone into effect as of November 6.

The major changes under Phase 2.1 include:

  • Restaurants reduced to 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 8 people limited to a table;
  • Restaurants and entertainment venues (i.e. bowling allies, movie theaters, arcades, etc.) required to close by 9:30 p.m., with the exception of food takeout and delivery services, which will be allowed to continue after 9:30 p.m.;
  • Personal services, such as hair salons and barber shops, remain at 75 percent capacity;
  • Event venues limited to 25 people indoor, 50 people outdoor;
  • Performing arts venues and movie theaters have a capacity of 100 people; and
  • Religious gatherings limited to 50 percent capacity or 100 people maximum.

Employers are reminded to maximize telework to the extent possible, and those over 60 and with chronic conditions are urged to remain home as much as possible.


COVID-19 Testing in West Hartford
 
As you know, testing for COVID-19 is one of our main tools in helping to track and control the spread of the virus, especially since some people can carry the disease while showing no symptoms.
 
Here are a few options to receive a COVID-19 test in the West Hartford area:

COVID Alert CT App Launches
 

Connecticut residents can now take advantage of a new notification app that will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 throughout their communities.

COVID Alert CT will notify users on their smartphones if they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 without sharing any personal information.

The app is free and available now for Apple and Android users.

How does it work? 

  • First, users should visit ct.gov/covidalertct, where they can find instructions on how to download the app for their specific device.
  • Once installed, the app uses Bluetooth to sense whether a user’s device has been within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more in one day – without sharing any personal information.
  • If a user has been near another person who has tested positive and is also using the app on their personal device, an alert will be triggered notifying the user that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
  • A notification will not be triggered if two devices in this scenario are just passing by for a short duration or stay more than 6 feet away from each other. 

If a user tests positive:

  • A contact tracer from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, their local health department, or their higher education institution will ask them if they are willing to share the “close contact” codes their app has logged while they may have been contagious.
  • If the user agrees, a contract tracer will provide them with a verification code.
  • Once that code is submitted through the user’s app, those individuals who came within 6 feet of that user for more than 15 minutes and who also are using the app will receive a notification on their device that they were in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
  • Sharing this status is secure and private. The app will never reveal who the user is to anyone else.

ConnectToCare Jobs Portal
 

Governor Lamont's office and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) released the following information on a new jobs portal available to Connecticut residents:

"To address staffing needs and shortages in nursing homes statewide, the Connecticut Department of Public Health announced the launch of the ConnectToCare online portal to match long-term care facilities in the state with hundreds of qualified potential staff. ConnectToCare is a partnership between multiple states and the nonprofit organization Advancing States.

Job seekers eligible to register for ConnectToCare include those qualified for the newly created position of Temporary Nurse Aide, but will also include those qualified for the following positions in nursing homes:

  • Certified nursing assistants
  • Registered nurses
  • Licensed vocational nurses
  • Social workers
  • Activity aides
  • Speech therapists
  • Cooks
  • Environmental service aides

There are currently more than 300 individuals who have successfully completed their training to become temporary nurse aides who can register with ConnectToCare as a job seeker. Over the next few weeks, the Department of Public Health will be working with industry leaders, the Connecticut Department of Labor, labor unions, and local workforce boards to recruit to the portal other potential job seekers for these positions.

The Department of Public Health has already taken the step of registering all Connecticut nursing homes to the ConnectToCare portal, with the expectation of adding assisted living facilities and residential care homes in the coming weeks.

Anyone who wants to register as a job seeker in long-term care in Connecticut is encouraged to do so online at www.connecttocarejobs.com."


Morley Red Wagon Food Drive
 
I am so proud of the families and teachers at Morley Elementary for continuing their annual Morley Red Wagon Food Drive in the midst of the pandemic. Anyone who would like to donate to the Food Pantry can drop off items in front of Town Hall on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m.-noon. Both West Hartford Stop & Shop stores and Whole Foods on Raymond Road also have collection bins.
 
For an up-to-date list of what is needed, visit the Food Pantry webpage.
 
To read more about the food drive, click the link HERE.