COVID-19 Update 3/26
March 26, 2020The 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 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.