March 19 Newsletter
We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.
For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.
Earlier this week, the State announced several key updates regarding the phasing and pace of Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. One of those updates began Friday.
The next phase of the roll-out, which expands eligibility to individuals aged 45 to 54, began Friday morning at 8 a.m.
The State also announced that general availability to all individuals 16-years-of-age and older will begin ahead of schedule. Eligibility is tentatively scheduled to begin for this age group on Monday, April 5. This acceleration comes as the State was informed by the Biden administration that we should anticipate receiving a significant increase in supplies of all three federally authorized vaccines over the next several weeks.
It’s important to note that these dates are for appointment eligibility. They are not a guarantee of a timeline in which you will receive the vaccine.
Connecticut continues to rank among the top five states in the nation in the percentage of our population that has been vaccinated. Individuals who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine in Connecticut include:
- All individuals age 55 and older;
- Healthcare personnel;
- Medical first responders;
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities;
- Residents and staff of select congregate settings; and
- PreK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers.
All eligible individuals in Connecticut who would like to receive the vaccine must make an appointment in advance. Information on making an appointment and finding the closest available clinic can be found online at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Those without access to the internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224. The assist line is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
While a large portion of eligible residents have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, there are still a number of residents that need to be vaccinated. We must have patience as we wait to roll up our sleeves to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Telehealth services – which have provided safe and secure options for healthcare professionals to treat patients during the pandemic – have been expanded and extended through an executive order signed over the weekend by Governor Lamont.
Executive Order No. 10C extends the provisions codified by Public Act 20-2 and includes the following:
- Authorizes additional health care professionals to provide telehealth services;
- Allows certain telehealth providers to offer audio-only services by telephone;
- Allows certain providers to use additional technologies, such as certain third-party video communication applications, like Zoom;
- Develop requirements for telehealth providers seeking payment from uninsured or underinsured patients;
- Requires insurance coverage for telehealth services and prohibits providers reimbursed for services from seeking payment from an insured patient beyond cost sharing;
- Prohibits insurance policies from excluding coverage for a telehealth platform selected by an in-network provider;
- Prohibits insurance carriers from reducing reimbursement to a provider because services are provided through telehealth instead of in-person;
- Modifies requirements for pharmacies transferring unfilled prescriptions for controlled substances that were electronically transmitted.
The executive order modifies and extends Public Act 20-2 through April 20, 2021, the date the governor's emergency powers are set to expire.
Telehealth services have been beneficial in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by enabling providers and patients to stay socially distant through technology and I hope these services will remain in place for the duration of the pandemic and beyond.
The Bridge Family Center in West Hartford is holding a Diaper Drive now through April 30th. See the graphic above for details on where to drop off donations.
Any donations are welcomed, so please consider donating to support local families in need!