COVID-19 Update 3/26

March 26, 2020

The latest numbers compiled by the State Public Health Lab show another 137 residents have tested positive for COVID-19. It brings the total number of positive cases in Connecticut to 1,012.

Additional statistics:

  • Five employees of a Ridgefield assisted-living facility have tested positive for COVID-19. Two patients at the facility have died and an additional 16 have tested positive.
  • A massive uptick in unemployment claims has led to a three-week backlog in their processing.
  • The state Judicial Branch is closing additional courthouses to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
  • The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state reached 1,012 and 125 patients remain hospitalized.
  • Connecticut is about to receive its first major shipment of sought-after personal protective equipment for health care workers $15 million worth of N95 masks, thermometers and other coveted gear.

Governor Ned Lamont continues taking steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Among the major developments Thursday:

Governor Lamont Submits Request for Presidential Major Disaster Declaration in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has submitted a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a presidential major disaster declaration resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the State of Connecticut.

If the assistance is approved, Connecticut residents may have access to additional resources to support childcare, crisis counseling, and other needs identified as a result of the pandemic.

Governor Lamont signs fifteenth executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order – the fifteenth since he enacted the emergency declarations – that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of the virus.

Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7N enacts the following provisions:

  • Restricts all social and recreational gatherings to no more than five people
  • Restricts restaurant payment and pickup
  • Further restricts retail operations
  • Requires firearm transactions to be conducted by appointment only
  • Suspension of tax on single-use checkout
  • Prohibits employers from requiring employees to place items in customers’ reusable bags
  • Suspends 21-month limit on Temporary Family Assistance
  • Suspends school testing assessments for the 2019-2020 school year

Governor Lamont Launches Emergency No-Interest Loan Program for Connecticut Small Businesses and Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19

Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for one-year, no-interest loans of up to $75,000. The program is being administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Provisions and eligibility requirements include:

  • Zero percent interest rate;
  • 12-month term with 6-month extension per request;
  • Personal guaranty and credit score required;
  • Approval contingent upon business being profitable prior to March 10, 2020 and no adverse personal credit reports 60 days past due for the last 6 months.

All eligibility and application information can be found on the state’s COVID-19 website at ct.gov/coronavirus.

Governor Lamont Submits Request for Presidential Major Disaster Declaration in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has submitted a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a presidential major disaster declaration resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the State of Connecticut.

If the assistance is approved, Connecticut residents may have access to additional resources to support childcare, crisis counseling, and other needs identified as a result of the pandemic.

For further details on the fight against the coronavirus click HERE for the Governor's March 26th update.