COVID-19 Connecticut Capitol Update 5-6-20
- 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 5, 2020, 30,621 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The virus has appeared in all 8 counties, 1,500 patients are hospitalized (up 36 patients statewide), and 2,633 residents have passed away. 108,643 tests have been conducted so far.
- Hospitalizations in Connecticut were steadily declining for 12 days, however as of last night there is a one-day increase.
- The Governor stressed that a one-day increase is not overly alarming, but it is a reminder that the virus is still here.
- 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, however as of last night there is a one-day increase.
- The State Capitol complex will remain closed until further notice.
- No date has been set to hold a special session at this time.
- Governor Lamont has issued a total of 36 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. 7II, which:
- Extends school class cancellations for the remainder of the school year: Extends the cancellation of in-person classes at public schools statewide for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. Schools will be required to continue providing distance learning during this period.
- Authorizes the Department of Social Services commissioner to temporarily waive, modify, or suspend home health regulatory requirements: Makes it easier for Medicaid members to access home health services by allowing payment for these services to be ordered by advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants, in addition to physicians.
- Extends the start date for imposition of a late fee for obtaining dog licenses from July 1, 2020 to August 1, 2020: Provides dog owners with a grace period through July 31, 2020 before a late fee is imposed for dog licenses, which are normally issued in June of each year.
- Grants authority to waive certain requirements for the issuance of vouchers under the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children: To limit the need for in-person transactions, this order waives the signature requirement on the voucher registry for the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, and permits any adult to act as a designated proxy to pick up and redeem the vouchers on behalf of an eligible participant.
- 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 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.
- CT DOL is now 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.
- 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
- Connecticut launched the SkillUp CT Program, which is a statewide expansion of a program that will make free online learning licenses available to recipients of unemployment insurance, including those who have been impacted by the economic fall of the COVID-19 public health crisis.
- For more information on the significantly expanded access to these comprehensive online courses, click here.
- To enroll in SkillUp CT, unemployment insurance claimants in Connecticut should visit ct.metrixlearning.com/landing.cfm.
