COVID-19 Connecticut Capitol Update 5-1-20
- The Governor established an online web portal of resources for businesses, consumers, and others during this public health crisis. Visit www.ct.gov/coronavirus for more information.
- For a comprehensive overview of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) assembled by the Governor’s Office, please click here.
- O’Neill and Associates has created a useful resource page to navigate the Small Business Administration (SBA) financial assistance programs, which can be found here.
- As of April 30, 2020, a total of 27,700 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The virus has appeared in all 8 counties, 1,650 patients are hospitalized (down 41 patients statewide), and 2,257 residents have passed away. A total of 97,133 tests have been conducted so far.
- Hospitalizations in Connecticut have steadily declined over the past 8 days.
- The President’s Task Force for Reopening America recommends at least 14 days of steady hospitalization decline before beginning to reopen.
- A full breakdown of those cases can be found here.
- The State Capitol complex will remain closed through the legislature’s constitutional adjournment date of Wednesday, May 6, 2020.
- No date has been set to hold a special session at this time.
- Governor Lamont has issued a total of 34 executive orders since March 12, 2020.
- Several orders have also been issued by the Departments of Public Health, Consumer Protection, Insurance, Health Strategy, Motor Vehicles, Revenue Services, Housing, Transportation, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, and other agencies—which can also be found here.
- Last night, the Governor signed Executive Order No. 7GG, which:
- Extends the payment time for sealed ticket revenues due to the state;
- Waives the notarization requirement for an embalmer’s affidavit to accompany death certificates;
- Temporarily suspends controlled substance registration;
- Modifies state contracting statutes to facilitate the emergency procurement of essential services;
- Modifies state contracting authorities to facilitate the emergency procurement of essential services;
- Modifies state construction requirements to facilitate the emergency provision of construction and construction-related services; and
- Extends existing contracts to prevent gaps in necessary state services.
- To watch the Governor’s full press briefing from yesterday, please click here.
- Until further notice, all residents are required to wear, at least, a cloth face covering or mask when in public spaces if social distancing is not possible.
- The order for “non-essential” businesses to stay closed is in effect through, at least, May 20, 2020. The only exception is for the minimum staffing that’s needed to maintain security, maintenance, and to receive mail/packages.
- The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) issued formal guidance on businesses that are considered “essential” and are allowed to stay open during the public health crisis.
- Industries that are not listed, but wish to be considered for classification as an “essential” business can submit an inquiry to DECD here.
- The State is seeking donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Anyone who is interested in donating may do so via www.211ct.org/DonationsCovid19.
- Additional information can be found here.
- If you need information on applying for Unemployment Insurance, please refer to the Department of Labor’s website, here.
- The Connecticut Department of Labor has begun issuing supplemental $600 stimulus payments for unemployment benefits, as authorized in the federal CARES Act.
- The State has surpassed 400,000 unemployment claims and according to national data, Connecticut has now reached the same level of joblessness that was experienced during the Great Depression.
- CT DOL has set up a special website to track unemployment data from January 2015 to April 2020.
- Beginning April 30, CT DOL will be accepting unemployment applications from self-employed individuals. Apply at www.filectui.com, using the BLUE button.
- For additional business resources during the COVID-19 public health crisis, please refer to DECD’s website, here.
- The Governor created a charitable organization called “4-CT” which is soliciting charitable donations. Their website is here.
- The Governor urges residents to sign up for the state’s emergency alert system, CTAlert. To do so, text COVIDCT to 888-777.
- Connecticut launched a new “Talk It Out” hotline for families to relieve the stress of caring for children during the pandemic. Visit www.talkitoutct.com or call 1-833-258-5011 for more information.
- AdvanceCT launched a second business survey to provide feedback to state policymakers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses interested in participating in this survey can access it here: COVID-19 Phase II Business Impact Survey.
- The Department of Revenue Services launched an assistance program to help individual and business taxpayers impacted by COVID-19. For more information on this “DRS Priority One Taxpayer Assistance Program” contact DRS:
- Via Phone: (860) 541-7650 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)
- Via Email: DRSPriorityOne_CollectionsAssist@po.state.ct.us
- The state launched a new rapid testing mobile site in New Haven, sponsored by CVS Health. Testing is by appointment only and can be made at www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing.
- Plans to open a similar testing site in Hartford are underway.
- The Governor is encouraging all state residents to download the “How We Feel” app to improve the COVID-19 response.
- Governor Lamont is urging local governments and community partners to establish long-term recovery committees in the wake of COVID-19.
- The purpose of these committees is to meet urgent needs, accelerate recovery, and expedite coordination with the state’s emergency management structure in the ongoing response and recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz will take a leading role in this coordination effort and will be participating in organizational meetings the state is holding for these local communities.
- Information on building these local long-term recovery committees can be found at ctrecovers.ct.gov.
- Yesterday, the Governor released the latest numbers of Nursing home residents and facilities that have active COVID-19 cases.
- The Department of Social Services is preparing new Medicaid coverage for uninsured residents during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- The Connecticut Judicial Branch today announced that effective immediately, parties who have an agreement may have their family court cases resolved without having to come to court
- Governor Lamont outlined his phased-in approach to reopening Connecticut’s economy.
- Contingent on meeting the state’s reopening criteria, Governor Lamont announced the following businesses will open at limited capacity starting May 20th:
- Restaurants (outdoor service only, no bars)
- Remaining Retail
- Offices (continue work from home where possible)
- Personal services (hair & nails)
- Museums, Zoos (outdoor only)
- Additional outdoor recreation (e.g. camping, mountain biking)
- University research programs
