COVID-19 – Connecticut State Government Update 4-25-2020
- 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 24, 2020, a total of 23,921 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported. The virus has appeared in all 8 counties, 1,877 patients are hospitalized (down 70 patients statewide), and 1,764 residents have passed away. A total of 74,038 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 33 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, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7FF, which:
- Provides additional flexibility for Medicaid-enrolled providers to perform telehealth services through audio-only methods for new patients.
- 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.
- 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
- The federal government plans to award the State of Connecticut $72.3 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to children who are eligible for the free and reduced-price meals program at school.
- This will benefit approximately 270,000 Connecticut children.
- Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable items to Connecticut’s food pantries. For more information on how to locate a local food pantry in your area, please visit www.211ct.org/foodpantries.
- Raytheon Technologies announced that it is donating more than $3 million worth of charter transportation and personal protective equipment (PPE) to the State of Connecticut’s relief supplies, which will be distributed to first responders and front line health care professionals.
