State & Local Updates

mccv
May 26, 2021
A year ago, I was writing regularly with information about masks, social distance, and unemployment insurance information. Today, I wanted to share some important changes for those who are receiving unemployment benefits. Also included is the latest on mask wearing from the CT Department of Public Health, information on preparing for Hurricane season as well as town events for Memorial Day – the parade is back! 
Updates to Unemployment

If you have been collecting COVID-related unemployment, you should be aware of upcoming changes which will affect the way you file for and receive your benefits.

Last year, Connecticut Department of Labor

 waived the mandatory work search requirement as part of Connecticut’s public health response to the pandemic. The waiver allowed unemployed individuals to receive benefits even though they were not actively searching for work.

Beginning Sunday, May 30, 2021, the work search requirement will again be in effect and will require those receiving unemployment to document their efforts to find a job.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

 
If you, as a claimant, have been collecting COVID-related unemployment, you must now make reasonable weekly work search efforts by:
  • Contacting an employer: Claimants must contact at least one employer per week for work for which the claimant is reasonably suited based upon prior work experience, skills, knowledge, and ability. Claimants may initiate contact online, in person, by phone, or by mail. They must ensure the employer has their call back information for hiring purposes.
  • Documenting your work search efforts.
Claimants must also engage in at least two of the following or other similar work search activities (either in person or virtually):
  • Participate in a job interview.
  • Attend a workshop at an American Job Center or a job fair.
  • Participate in reemployment service activities at an American Job Center.
  • Create a reemployment plan.
  • Create and post a resume to www.CTHires.com.
  • Create a personal user profile on a professional networking site.
  • Contact another employer for a job for which the claimant is reasonably suited as outlined above.
You can record your work search efforts using this form HERE. Beginning in July, claimants will be required to report this information when you file your weekly claim. If you fail to provide this information, it could result in your being denied unemployment for that week.

For a list of frequently asked questions regarding the work search requirement, click HERE. You may also contact the Consumer Contact Center by clicking HERE or by calling 203-941-6868 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new guidance, last week the Governor announced that Connecticut residents who are fully vaccinated no longer are required to wear a mask indoors. These new guidelines are our first step back into a sense of safe normalcy, but please remember, there are some instances where masks may be or are still required:

  • Schools
  • Airplanes
  • Buses
  • Trains
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes and other high-risk environments
  • Private businesses can also still require masks to be worn by patrons and customers
I want to also encourage any of you who have not yet been vaccinated to schedule an appointment, by clicking the button below, or going to any of the walk-up vaccine clinics in our community. Please also remember, the FDA approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine for teens and kids between the ages of 12 and 15.
Schedule Appointment
Find Walk-Up Clinic
Zoning bill a vital step toward a better CT

COVID has created tremendous shifts in lifestyle, work and transportation habits. Even for those who want things to remain just as they are, the way we live will continue to evolve and our zoning laws, contained in 8-2, must evolve, as well. Change is not coming; change is here. Read more in my recent OpEd here.
Fairfield Memorial Day Parade

On Monday, May 31 at 10AM, the Fairfield Memorial Day Parade will kick off and run East from South Pine Creek Road along the Post Road to the Library, then South along Old Post Road to Flint’s Corner, and then East along Old Post Road passing the Town Green and continuing beyond South Benson Road.

What to Know/Bring:
  • No traffic will be permitted along the parade route beginning at 9:30 AM.
  • No through traffic will be permitted on South Pine Creek Road after 9:00 AM.
    • Expect delays and plan an alternate route if not attending the parade.
  • No parking will be permitted along the parade route.
    • Please take notice of temporary "No Parking" signs along the route (South Pine Creek Road to Bungalow Ave. East side of Reef Road from Oldfield Road to Crescent Road. South Pine Creek Road from St. Anthony’s Church to Post Road).
  • Parade goers are permitted to begin laying chairs/blankets along the parade route beginning Sunday morning.
  • The Emergency Management Team will review weather conditions through the Memorial Day Weekend and if warranted, based on unsafe conditions, will make a decision by 6:00 am Monday morning to cancel the parade.
    • Notification will be made on the Town website, Facebook pages, WICC (600), Channel 8 and Channel 12.
Storm Preparedness

The NOAA is projecting that, like last year, this year is poised to be have an active severe storm and hurricane season. In a recent release the organization said, “Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.” Adding to that, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said, “Now is the time for communities along the coastline as well as inland to get prepared for the dangers that hurricanes can bring.”

Here is a list of precautions you can take ahead of any storm:

  • Gather a Storm Kit with Supplies – including water, non-perishable food, First Aid Supplies, Flashlights and Batteries
  • Charge Your Devices
  • Move Vehicles Under Cover or to Higher Ground
  • Get Your Home Ready – Move items indoors
  • Clear Storm Drains Near your Home
Emergency Alerts - Your Action Needed

Another great way to receive Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield is to sign up for Emergency Alerts by following the instructions below:
  1. Text FAIRFIELDCT to 888777.
  2. Reply to the confirmation text with your zip code.
  3. Reply to the text with your email address if you wish to get alerts via e-mail.
  4. Follow the link in the reply text and click here. Click "Register for Alerts" and create a profile to customize how and when you receive alerts.
If you prefer not to text, you may click here and click "Register for Alerts."

☎️ Individuals who do not have access to text devices or a computer, or would like assistance in registering, may call the Bigelow Center at (203) 256-3166.

Additional details on this move can be found on the Town of Fairfield website.