Below is today’s daily briefing of activities and actions taking place during the COVID-19 public health crisis in Connecticut. Please use this information as a resource. Things are changing quickly as Governor Lamont has been issuing regular executive orders throughout the past few weeks. If you have any issues or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• 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.
• As of March 27, 2020, a total of 1,291 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The virus has appeared in all 8 counties, approximately 173 patients are hospitalized, and 27 residents have passed away. Approximately 8,400 tests have been conducted so far.
  • A full breakdown of those cases can be found here.
• The State Capitol complex will remain closed through at least April 12, 2020. During this time all committee meetings and public hearings have been suspended.
• Governor Lamont has issued a total of 17 executive orders since March 10, 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.
• You can watch the Governor’s full press conference from yesterday, here.
• Last night, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No 7O, which includes the:
  • Suspension of certain license requirements overseen by the Department Of Public Health;
  • Modification of health care provider identification badge requirements;
  • Allowance for “non-traditional” manufacturers to make alcohol-based hand sanitizer and medical devices; and
  • Waiver of birth-to-three family cost participation fees.
• All “non-essential” businesses were ordered to stay closed through, at least, April 22, 2020 except 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 qualification as an “essential” business, can submit an inquiry to DECD here.
• The Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program STOPPED ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS at 6pm last night and for the foreseeable future to allow DECD and Connecticut Innovations (CI) the opportunity to handle an unprecedented volume of applications.
• The State is seeking donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Those interested in donating may do so via www.211ct.org/DonationsCovid19.
• Governor Lamont is expected to release details for a new charitable fund launched in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis called “ForCT.”
• For information on applying for Unemployment Insurance, please refer to the Department of Labor’s website, here.
• For additional business resources during this COVID-19 public health crisis, please refer to DECD’s website, here.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance program and interested businesses can apply here. We’ve also attached an overview of the program that was created by our federal staff.