COVID-19 Governor's Update

March 20, 2020

The Lamont administration has put together a fact sheet on the state’s response to COVID-19 that provides guidance for constituent concerns. Click here to see the FAQ Sheet.

The sheet will be updated regularly, and is available on the state's coronavirus website. Click here to visit the Connecticut Coronavirus website.

CONNECTICUT RECORDS FIRST DEATH RELATED TO CORONAVIRUS

Governor Lamont announced today the first death in Connecticut due to complications from COVID-19. The patient is a man in his 80s who had recently been admitted to Danbury Hospital for treatment. He had been a resident of an assisted living facility in Ridgefield.

KEY POINTS:

  • Since yesterday, an additional 28 Connecticut residents tested positive, bringing the total positive cases reported in the state to 96.
  • Governor Lamont today signed another executive order taking actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, this one:
    • Closes large indoor malls and places of amusement (but not parks and open space areas) effective 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19;
    • Allows Medicaid to cover audio-only telehealth services;
    • Provides flexibility for critical legal functions regarding conservators and competency hearings to ensure the safety of nursing home patients; and
    • Exempts certain schools inside state facilities from school cancellation order.
  • Department of Public Health is providing a status update on Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Access Health CT is opening a special enrollment period for those who are uninsured.
  • Governor Lamont offers guidance for restaurants seeking clarification on take-out and delivery rules.
  • Governor Lamont directs the early release of certain state aid to municipalities.
  • Department of Labor closes main office and American Job Centers to in-person visits, encourage use of online services.
  • DEEP is requesting PURA take emergency actions to protect utility rate payers.
  • Department of Agriculture sent communications today affirming that farmers’ markets can remain open.
  • Department of Education is seeking a waver for standardized testing requirements, continues providing resources to support student learning during closures, assist in meals program.
  • Through a partnership with the state, a coalition of outdoor advertisers are donating electronic billboard space to spread public awareness about COVID-19.

A county-by-county breakdown of the total positive cases statewide includes:

  • Fairfield County: 69
  • Hartford County: 11
  • Litchfield County: 5
  • Middlesex County: 1
  • New Haven County: 10

To read the full Governor's press release with more details and information, please click HERE.