COVID Update 4/6/21 and School Security Grant Program

covid
April 6, 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.”

Governor Lamont signs executive order on COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed an executive order related to the declarations of public health and civil preparedness emergencies that he enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order No. 10E enacts the following provisions:

  • Absentee voting eligibility during COVID-19 pandemic: Permits all voters in any election, primary, or referendum held prior to May 20, 2021 to vote using an absentee ballot, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason. This is similar to the order that permitted voters to use absentee ballots during elections held in 2020. In addition, this order provides municipalities and regional boards of education with additional flexibility in scheduling budget hearings, meetings, and votes to account for logistical challenges posed by the pandemic.

**Download: Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 10E

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.

School Security Grant Program:

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is opening new rounds of funding under two state grant programs that will help with the costs associated with implementing needed security infrastructure improvements and upgrades to emergency communications systems at schools throughout Connecticut.


 
Administered by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in collaboration with the State Department of Education, the School Security Competitive Grant Program and the newly launched Multi-Media Interoperable Communications System Program are open to public and private K-12 schools, and eligible childcare centers and preschools that can demonstrate they have received threats.
 
A total of $10 million has been allocated across both programs:
 
  • School Security Competitive Grant Program: A total of $5 million has been set aside for the fifth round of grants under this program. Recipients can use the funding for infrastructure improvements such as door locks, penetration resistant window film, scan cards/access control systems, fending (6 feet or higher), security lighting, bollards, interior and exterior camera systems, and other project that enhance school security infrastructure. A total of $500,000 of funding under this round is allocated for private schools.
  • Multi-Media Interoperable Communications Systems Program: This is a new grant program under which $5 million has been set aside for its first round. Recipients can use the funding for the purchase and installation of interoperable systems that are capable of transmitting immediate communications or notifications to law enforcement agencies. For a camera, radio, panic button, or internet of things system to be considered for this grant, it must include the capability of transmitting communications/notifications to law enforcement and/or their call centers. The grant request can also include systems that integrate existing cameras, radios, panic buttons, or other items for transmission to first responders and/or their call centers. Each applicant can consider its needs and design a system that is as practical as possible. A total of $500,000 of funding under this first round is allocated for private schools.

 
Applications are now being accepted, with the first part due to the state by 3:00 p.m. on June 15, 2021 and the second part due by June 30, 2021. Applications will be ranked and awarded based on the demonstrated need for security improvements.