COVID-19 Connecticut Capitol Update 4-22-20
- 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 21, 2020, a total of 20,360 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The virus has appeared in all 8 counties, 1,949 patients are hospitalized (up 30 patients statewide), and 1,423 residents have passed away. A total of 64,192 tests have been conducted so far.
- 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.
- Legislative Leaders have instructed committee chairs as well as rank-and-file members to communicate their priorities for when they return for a special session.
- No date has been set to hold a special session at this time.
- Governor Lamont has issued a total of 30 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, Transportation and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority—which can also be found here.
- Last night, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7CC, which:
- Applies Executive Order No. 7S to additional critical and time-sensitive municipal fiscal actions;
- Clarifies time periods regarding the suspension and modification of non-judicial tax sales pursuant to Executive Order No. 7S, Section 11;
- Excludes federal stimulus payments in evaluating eligibility for state or local programs financed in whole or in part using state funds;
- Allows for an alternative option to physical presence in court for findings of an irretrievable breakdown of marriage;
- Allows for an alternative to in-person waiver of right to file motion or petition for educational support;
- Allows for an alternative to physical appearance for a petitioner regarding decree of dissolution after entrée of decree of legal separation;
- Allows for an alternative to in-court canvas prior to entrance of final agreement;
- Allows for an alternative to physical presence when findings on the record are required; and
- Revises the financial protections for people covered by insurance who receive out-of-network health care services during the public health emergency.
- To watch the Governor’s full press briefing from yesterday, 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 still 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) 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.
- 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.
- As a result of a new partnership with the app creators, this platform will anonymously help public health officials track symptoms across the state.
- Yesterday, Governor Lamont announced a new partnership between Hartford Healthcare and Quest Diagnostics that will allow the State of Connecticut to increase testing to approximately 2,500 per day—up from 500 per day.
- The Governor has set a goal to test 1.5 million people by mid-May.
- Capacity will significantly increase in Norwich, Hartford, Torrington, Bridgeport, and New Britain.
- The Governor announced a new agreement between certain private student loan servicers to provide relief to borrowers.
- Life insurers doing business in Connecticut have been directed by the Insurance Commissioner not to ask about applicant’s COVID-19 history.
