COVID-19 Connecticut Capitol Update 5-4-20
- 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 May 3, 2020, approximately 30,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The virus has appeared in all 8 counties, 1,488 patients are hospitalized (down 63 patients statewide), and 2,495 residents have passed away. More than 103,000 tests have been conducted so far.
- Hospitalizations in Connecticut have steadily declined over the past 11 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 35 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.
- The Governor did not sign a new Executive Order last night.
- The Governor did not hold a press briefing yesterday.
- 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.
- Beginning April 30, CT DOL will be accepting unemployment applications for 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.
- 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..
- The Governor is encouraging all state residents to download the “How We Feel” app to improve the COVID-19 response.
- Governor Lamont of Connecticut, working with his counterpart Governor’s in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Delaware—announced yesterday that they will be joining forces to purchase PPE as a collective in order to make the region more competitive in an attempt to increase their chances of adding to their stockpiles and drive down prices.
- They plan to invest at least $5 billion as a collective for these purchases.
