COVID Update, Renters' Rebate Program, Access Health

covid
April 1, 2021
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.

For a series of interactive graphs and maps that provide additional data, including metrics related to age, gender, and race/ethnicity, as well as data broken down by every town and city in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”

Data updates on vaccine administration in Connecticut

The following data represents the total number of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in Connecticut, as reported to the state as of today:

Dose

Total Administered

First dose administered

1,250,457*

Fully vaccinated

733,931*

Total doses administered

1,935,375*

*NOTE: A total of 49,013 doses of the single-dose J&J vaccine are included in each category

Connecticut continues to rank among the top three most vaccinated states in the nation.

So far, those who have received their first dose include:

  • 81% of people over the age of 65;
  • 65% of people over the age of 45; and
  • 43% of people over the age of 16.

The Lamont administration is estimating that vaccine supply in Connecticut will exceed demand by late April.

Current vaccine eligibility in Connecticut includes all individuals over the age of 16. Appointments are required to be made in advance at all vaccination clinics statewide. To learn how to make an appointment, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.

Data updates on variants in Connecticut

The following data contains the cumulative number of SARS-CoV-2 variants that have been reported among Connecticut residents as of today:

Variants of concern

  • B.1.1.7 (first detected in the United Kingdom): 469 cases
  • B.1.351 (first detected in South Africa): 6 cases*
  • P.1 (first detected in Brazil): 2 cases
  • B.1.427 (first detected in California): 30 cases
  • B.1.429 (first detected in California): 90 cases

Variants of interest

  • B.1.526 (first detected in New York): 88 cases
  • B.1.525 (first detected in Africa and Europe): 10 cases
  • P.2 (first detected in Brazil): 7 cases

*B.1.351: The Department of Public Health reported 7 cases last week, the Global Initiative for Sharing Avian Influenza Data has 6 sequences reported to date.

For more information on variants, see page 7 of this week’s extended COVID-19 data report.

Weekly update on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and assisted living facilities

The following documents contain the weekly data regarding each of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Connecticut that have reported positive cases of COVID-19 among their residents. The data is presented as it was reported to the state by each of the facilities.

**Download: Report from April 1, 2021 on COVID-19 in Connecticut nursing homes
**Download: Report from April 1, 2021 on COVID-19 in Connecticut assisted living facilities

Weekly update of the Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Alert Map: 146 of 169 municipalities in red zone alert level

The Connecticut Department of Public Health today released its weekly COVID-19 Alert Map, which indicates that 146 of 169 towns and cities in Connecticut are currently in the red zone alert level, the highest of the state’s four alert levels.

The color-coded zones include:

  • Red: Indicates case rates over the last two weeks of greater than 15 per 100,000 population
  • Orange: Indicates case rates between 10 to 14 cases per 100,000 population
  • Yellow: Indicates case rates between 5 and 9 per 100,000 population
  • Gray: Indicates case rates lower than five per 100,000 population

The weekly alert map is also accompanied by a chart that provides guidance on recommended actions based on the alert levels for individual residents; institutions such as schools, houses of worship, and community organizations; and municipal leaders and local health directors.

The COVID-19 Alert Map is updated every Thursday afternoon and can be found within the Data Tracker page of the state’s coronavirus website at ct.gov/coronavirus.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. 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 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.

Renters' Rebate Program
The Renters' Rebate program is open and runs through October 1st. This program provides rental reimbursement to elderly and disabled residents in need. These rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for individuals. The amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the prior calendar year.
 
Who is eligible?
 
Renters who meet the one-year state residency requirement, and are one of the following:
  • A renter (or their spouse) who is 65 years of age or older, or
  • A renter who is 50 years of age or older and is the surviving spouse of a renter who at the time of the renter's death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief provided such spouse was domiciled with such renter at the time of the renters’ death, or
  • A renter who is 18 years of age or older and eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
Applications can be made at the town social service agency or the local Assessor's Office. 
 
For more information, please call the Renters’ Rebate Hotline at 860-418-6377 or click here to visit the website.

 

Please share with this information with anyone that might be able to take advantage of this program, which helps people on low or fixed incomes. During these difficult economic times, programs like this are more important than ever.
Access Health Update
There is a Special Enrollment Period for Uninsured Residents until April 15. 
Now more than ever it's important to have a health plan. If you or someone you know is currently uninsured, now is the time to connect with Access Health CT and compare coverage options. To help you get ready to enroll, we are hosting virtual informational sessions called Healthy Chats. You can join via Zoom or by phone. 

There are two sessions available: April 6 at 6 pm ET in English, April 7 at 6 pm ET in Spanish. 
After a Virtual Healthy Chat you will:
  • Know what Access Health CT (AHCT) is and how we can help you
  • Understand the types of financial help and coverage options available
  • Be prepared for the application process
  • Feel empowered to choose a plan and understand the benefits of coverage so you can use it to stay well

 

Register for a Healthy Chat