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 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 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 and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

Governor Lamont signs 52^nd executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order – the 52^nd 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. 7YY enacts the following provisions:

• Resumption of court filing deadlines: Amends Executive Order No. 7G, Section 2 to provide that the suspension of requirements or deadlines related to Supreme or Appellate Court filings in cases pending before those courts to assist the Judicial Branch in its plans to resume more court business.
• Modifications to DMV functions: Makes several adjustments to the functions administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles to allow customers to conduct more business remotely and reduce the need for in-person visits to DMV branches and affiliates..
• Modifications to Executive Order No. 7E: Repeals Executive Order No. 7E, Section 2 effective June 15.

PURA encourages eligible residents to access federal Lifeline Program to access affordable broadband and telephone services during COVID-19 crisis

In light of the continued financial difficulties attributable to the ongoing public health crisis, Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is reminding Connecticut residents that the federal Lifeline Program has available resources to support low-income customers experiencing connectivity issues with broadband and telephone services.

Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company, the Lifeline Program is available to help eligible low-income customers gain access to more affordable broadband internet and phone services by offering monthly discounts on certain products. Benefits are limited to one per qualifying household. Residents are eligible for the Lifeline Program if one of the following criteria are met:

• Customer participates in certain federal benefits programs, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing or the Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit; or
• Customer’s household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

“During these unprecedented times, gaining and maintaining access to affordable broadband and telephone services is more important than ever to meet the challenges of telework, remote education, telemedicine, and generally staying connected,” PURA Chairman Marissa P. Gillett said. “As many Connecticut residents find themselves facing new economic challenges borne out of the COVID-19 crisis, PURA wants to raise awareness around this valuable Lifeline Program resource.”

LifelineSupport.org provides detailed information about how to apply for benefits, eligibility requirements, and other specifics of the program, including the recent relief offered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that relaxes qualifications around qualifying for the Lifeline Program and expands access to the Lifeline Program’s National Eligibility Verifier.

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.