COVID-19 Connecticut Capitol Update 4-17-20
- 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.
- As of April 16, 2020, a total of 15,884 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The virus has appeared in all 8 counties, 1,926 patients are hospitalized, and 971 residents have passed away. A total of 53,122 tests have been conducted so far.
- A full breakdown of those cases can be found here.
- The State Capitol complex will remain closed through at least April 23, 2020. During this time all committee meetings and public hearings have been suspended.
- Governor Lamont has issued a total of 28 executive orders since March 10, 2020.
- Several orders have also been issued by the Departments of Public Health, Consumer Protection, Insurance, Health Strategy, Motor Vehicles, Revenue Services, Transportation and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority—which can also be found here.
- The Governor did not sign an executive order last night.
- You can watch the Governor’s full press conference from yesterday, here.
- Governor Lamont announced the creation of a “Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group” charged with creating a strategy to safely reopen businesses and get back to normal day-to-day life in the state.
- The Advisory group is chaired by former PepsiCo CEO, Indra Nooyi and Chair of Epidemiology and Medicine at Yale Medical School, Dr. Albert Ko.
- The Governor released specific data related to nursing home residents who have tested positive or have passed away from COVID-19 across the state, which can be found here.
- The order for “non-essential” businesses to stay closed was extended 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) released 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 Governor and Commissioner of Labor announced a major upgrade to the state’s filing system that will allow impacted residents to receive their benefits within a week. Previously, benefits were delayed for several weeks after filing.
- 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.
- 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.
