COVID-19 Connecticut Capitol Update 4-24-20
- 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 23, 2020, a total of 23,100 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The virus has appeared in all 8 counties, 1,947 patients are hospitalized (down 25 patients statewide), and 1,639 residents have passed away. A total of 71,497 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 32 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. 7EE, which:
- Requires mandatory reporting provisions by managed residential communities;
- Requires mandatory reporting provisions by nursing homes;
- Enacts civil penalties for failure to comply with mandatory reporting requirements;
- Waives certain Medicaid prior authorization requirements;
- Waives certain Medicaid bed reserve day requirements for residents on leave from intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IIDs); and
- Waives certain requirements for signed delivery receipts for medical equipment, devices, and supplies.
- 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 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.
- 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 this new partnership, the platform will anonymously help public health officials track symptoms across the state.
- The State of Connecticut is holding discussions with New York and New Jersey to develop a regional strategy for contact tracing of COVID-19 cases.
- The State of Connecticut launched a new coordinated housing re-entry program for individuals leaving incarceration and rejoining society.
- The coordinated efforts are in partnership with the Office of Policy and Management, Department of Housing, Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, United Way 2-1-1, Department of Corrections, and other housing & homeless providers across the state.
- Governor Lamont announced the members of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group, as well as the co-chairs and members of the 5 committees that will comprise the advisory group. The Committees include:
- Main Advisory Group
- Business Committee
- Community Committee
- Education Committee
- Governor Lamont’s Representatives
