Governor Lamont Provides Update on Connecticut’s Coronavirus Response Efforts

(HARTFORD, CT) – As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 9:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Governor Lamont signs 43^rd executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order – the 43^rd since he enacted the emergency declarations – that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of the virus. Executive Order No. 7PP enacts the following provisions:

1. Reopening Phase 1: Repeals several previously enacted executive orders to allow for the safe reopening of certain sectors of the economy on May 20, including for the reopening of outdoor dining, offices, retail and malls, museums and zoos, and outdoor recreation businesses.
2. Enforcement of sector rules governing the reopening of businesses: Modifies certain statues and regulations to permit the enforcement of sector rules as certain businesses reopen on May 20, including for local and district health directors and municipal chief executive officers
3. Extension of prohibition on large gatherings to June 20, 2020: Extends the prohibition of large gatherings in Executive Order Nos. 7D and 7N through June 20, 2020.
4. Extension of restrictions on off-track betting, indoor fitness, and movie theaters to June 20
5. Further clarification of limits on restaurants, bars, and private clubs – mixed drinks permitted for takeout delivery: Allows for the sale of mixed drinks for takeout and delivery by various liquor permittees under certain conditions.
6. Limitation on the operation of day camps: Prohibits day camps, which were not already operating as of May 5, 2020, from beginning operations for the season until June 22, 2020.
7. Enhanced health procedures for all day camps: Requires day camps to comply with the limitations on child group sizes and enhanced health procedure requirements placed on child care programs by Executive Order No. 7Q, and by orders of the commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood.
8. Cancellation of resident camp operations: Prohibits the operation of resident camps for the duration of the civil preparedness and public health emergency.
9. Limitation on the operation of summer and educational programs operated by local or regional boards of education: Prohibits summer school programs from beginning prior to July 6, 2020, unless earlier extended, modified, or terminated by the governor. The commissioner of the Department of Education is required to issue guidance on the limited operation of summer school programs that are permitted to engage in-person classes after that date.
10. Suspension or modification of regulatory requirements to protect public health and safety: Permits the commissioner of the Department of Education to temporarily waive, modify, or suspend any regulatory requirements as he deems necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public health.

State releases online guide to support the reopening of small businesses

Governor Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut has released an online guide to help small businesses comply with COVID-19 safety guidance and manage the broader reopening process. The Small Business Reopening Resource Guide can be accessed by visiting the state’s coronavirus website at ct.gov/coronavirus and clicking the “Business” section, or accessed directly by clicking here.

It includes valuable information in the following areas:

• Financial Needs: The guide provides a comprehensive list of financing resources and advisory partners at both the state and federal levels to help small business secure the financial support they need to manage reopening challenges.
• Employee Training & Support: Employers need to provide a safe operating environment for employees and customers. The guide helps companies identify general and industry-specific training, and helps answer questions like who should be trained and what kind of training they need.
• Physical Layout: Mandatory social distancing may mean that businesses need to alter their facilities or how they conduct business to maintain safety for employees and customers. The guide offers suggestions to help small business maintain their operations while applying new standards for health and safety.
• Geographic List of Suppliers: Businesses will need protective equipment and other new supplies. The guide includes a list of suppliers of masks, face shields, gloves, as well as cleaning supplies and other needed resources.

The guide will continue to be updates as new information develops. A Spanish-language version is in development and will soon be available.

“It’s critical that we provide as much help and support as we can to our small businesses, so that they can reopen their doors, and meet the new standards required to protect the health and safety of employees and customers,” Governor Lamont said. “I’m very grateful to our community partners for their partnership in bringing together the best possible resources to help our small businesses at this critical time.”

“The COVID public health emergency has created new challenges, especially for Connecticut’s small businesses,” Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman said. “DECD and AdvanceCT are committed to providing all the help we can to support our business community. The new guide provides important resources to help our small businesses navigate this new terrain.”

“Small businesses face a number of challenges in getting ready to reopen – they need the best possible advice, and guidance to help them identify quickly the best and most reliable resources to meet new needs,” Lyle Wray, Executive Director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, said. “This guide is intended to provide a good starting point, and to make the path to reopening a little smoother.”

The guide was developed by an ad hoc committee through the Office of the Governor, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and AdvanceCT, in partnership with the following community and business organizations:

• Lyle Wray, Capitol Region Council of Governments, Chair
• Cindy Bombard, Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce
• Joe Brennan, Connecticut Business and Industry Association
• Nancy Cowser, Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region
• Joe Ercolano, Small Business Development Center
• Cathy Graves, New Haven Small Business Academy
• David Griggs and Gene Goddard, MetroHartford Alliance
• Kim Hawkins, HEDCO
• Larry McHugh, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce
• Patrick McMahon, CT Main Street
• Julio Mendoza, Spanish American Merchants Association
• Dan Onofrio, Bridgeport Regional Business Council
• Jacqueline Torcellini, Women’s Business Development Council
• Garrett Sheehan, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
• Tony Sheridan, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
• Lynn Ward, Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce

Businesses reminded to verify insurance coverage during reopening

Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais and Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman are reminding business owners of the importance of checking to make sure their insurance coverage accurately reflects any changed circumstances as they moved to comply with the state’s reopening plans.

The Insurance Department is strongly encouraging businesses or residents who have questions or concerns regarding their insurance coverage during the phased reopening of businesses to reach out to their insurance agent, broker, or carrier.

“The pandemic has already caused undue hardship to families and businesses and further risk to public health and to businesses should be kept to a minimum,” Commissioner Mais said. “Business owners should verify that the coverage they have is still right for them, and that they are prepared both for reopening and for hazards like the upcoming hurricane season.”

“The governor and Reopen Connecticut are instituting a thoughtful reopening schedule with the safety and security of the public,” Commissioner Lehman said. “I’d like to thank all the businesses and their employees who are working so hard during this extremely difficult economic time. We are all committed to safely reopen all businesses as soon as possible.”

Consumers, insurers, and brokers who have questions can contact the Insurance Department directly through email at insurance@ct.gov, through the department’s website, or through telephone at 1-800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900.

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Connecticut Insurance Department.

Distribution of donated laptops for high schools began today in New Britain

The first batch of laptops that were donated by the Partnership for Connecticut for high schools in need began today in New Britain. An additional six school districts will receive deliveries throughout this week, including Bloomfield, Bridgeport, Danbury, East Hartford, Hamden, and Hartford.

Due to the large global demand for laptops during the pandemic, they are expected to arrive in Connecticut in three waves. This first wave includes 17,000 laptops. In total, the Partnership for Connecticut is donating 60,000 laptops to high schools across the state.

Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state’s CTAlert notification system

Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Relay services can be accessed by calling 7-1-1. Anyone who is out-of-state or using Relay can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 toll free by dialing 1-800-203-1234. The hotline is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider.