COVID-19 Connecticut Capitol Update
- 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 May 6, 2020, 30,995 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The virus has appeared in all 8 counties, 1,445 patients are hospitalized (down 55 patients statewide), and 2,718 residents have passed away. 111,447 tests have been conducted so far.
- Hospitalizations in Connecticut were steadily declining for 12 days, after a one-day increase, hospitalizations are declining again.
- The Governor stressed that a one-day increase is not overly alarming, but it is a reminder that the virus is still present.
- The President’s Task Force for Reopening America recommends 14 days of steady hospitalization decline before beginning to reopen.
- A full breakdown of those cases can be found here.
- Hospitalizations in Connecticut were steadily declining for 12 days, after a one-day increase, hospitalizations are declining again.
- The State Capitol complex will remain closed until further notice.
- No date has been set to hold a special session at this time, though legislative leaders have indicated they would like to return sometime in June.
- Governor Lamont has issued a total of 37 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. 7JJ, which:
- Suspends the reapplication filing requirements for the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled, Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program and for the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled Free Tax Relief Program: Enables the state to continue benefits in the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled, Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program and for the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled Freeze Tax Relief Program without the taxpayer having to recertify eligibility.
- Authorizes distance learning and remote testing certifications for DEEP programs: the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to conduct classes and testing remotely using online methods or any other feasible means.
- Extends the period of validity of approval for land use and building permits so they don’t expire during the state of emergency: Extends the period of validity of approval or permits issued by a municipal land use agency or building official so they do not expire during the state of emergency.
- Allows for the suspension of in-person voting requirements by members of the public for critical and time-sensitive municipal decisions: Authorizes legislative bodies of municipalities the ability to adopt or amend ordinances or resolutions deemed essential; approve, enter into, or amend existing contracts or agreements deemed essential; or option, acquire, transfer, lease, dispose, or sell any real or personal property as deemed essential without complying with any requirements for in-person approval by electors or taxpayers, including annual or special town meetings requiring votes or referenda.
- 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 Governor stated that a first round of selected businesses can begin opening on May 20th if the trend continues to decline in our hospitals and if other criteria are met.
- 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.
- Small Business Owners and Workers are asked to provide input on reopening efforts.
- Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman is encouraging small business owners and workers to fill out two surveys to help gather important insight on the state’s reopening efforts:
- The Small Business Reopening Survey is for business owners and will help understand the current status and implications of reopening
- The CT Worker Sentiment Survey will help understand how employees feel returning to the workplace
- Both surveys were launched by the nonprofit organization AdvanceCT, which works in collaboration with the state to engage, retain, and recruit businesses and advance overall economic competitiveness in Connecticut.
- Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman is encouraging small business owners and workers to fill out two surveys to help gather important insight on the state’s reopening efforts:
- A joint federal-state task force has been formed to combat COVID-19 fraud in Connecticut, led by Attorney General William Tong and Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo.
- Governor Lamont received a report with recommendations on how to conduct a phased reopening of colleges and universities, yesterday, from the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Committee.
- To read the full report, click here.
