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 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 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.”

Updated data on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and assisted living facilities

The following documents contain updated data regarding each of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Connecticut that have reported positive cases of COVID-19 among their residents. The data is presented as it was reported to the state by each of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This data is updated on a weekly basis.

Governor Lamont signs 50^th executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order – the 50^th 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. 7WW enacts the following provisions:

• Technical clarifications regarding the ballot petitioning process for the August 2020 primary and November 2020 general election: Makes technical clarifications to the ballot petitioning process of Executive Order No. 7LL to make it clear that individual petitions do not need to be mailed to the registrar of voters.
• Further clarification of limits on alcohol service and sales related to catering: Permits caterers to provide outdoor service at any location allowed by their license type so long as the event meets the requirements of all executive orders, limits on social and recreational gatherings, and Department of Economic and Community Development sector rules.

Governor Lamont and Banking Commissioner Perez announce 60-day extension to mortgage relief program

Governor Lamont and Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez today announced that over 45 banks and credit unions have agreed to extend their voluntary participation in the Connecticut Mortgage Relief Program, which provides relief to consumers facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The program, launched on March 31, 2020 and set to expire on May 31, 2020 will now run through July 30, 2020.

“While the state continues its progress towards safely re-opening, Connecticut residents continue to be impacted by the economic fallout of the pandemic” Governor Lamont said. “By extending the Connecticut mortgage relief program through July 30, 2020, credit unions and banks have demonstrated their commitment to help their members and customers through this crisis. I am grateful for their participation in this program.”

The program, launched on March 31, 2020, extends the following original provisions through July 30, 2020:

• 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments: Participating financial institutions will continue to offer mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days, which will allow homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. In addition, the institutions will continue to:
  • Provide a streamlined process for requesting forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
  • Confirm approval and terms of forbearance program; and
  • Provide the opportunity to extend forbearance agreements if faced with continued hardship resulting from COVID-19.
• Relief from fees and charges: Through July 30, 2020, participating financial institutions will waive or refund mortgage-related late fees and other fees including early CD withdrawals.
• No new foreclosures for 60 days (through July 30, 2020): Financial institutions will not start any foreclosure sales or evictions.
• No credit score changes for accessing relief: Financial institutions will not report derogatory information (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies but may report a forbearance, which typically does not alone negatively affect a credit score.

This agreement means that participating banks and credit unions will continue to not initiate any new foreclosures, foreclosure sales and evictions for another 60 days. It also extends the relief on certain fees until that date. The mortgage relief program, applies only to mortgages owned by banks and credit unions, also known as “portfolio mortgages.”

“By voluntarily agreeing to extend their participation in this initiative, Connecticut banks and credit unions have shown us that they once again stand ready to assist their customers and members during difficult times,” Commissioner Perez said. “This initiative is designed to provide relief for residents of the state who are feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19. We are all in this together and our financial institutions have shown they are partners to help get us through.”

“For almost 100 years, credit unions in Connecticut have relied on the collective ability of their members to support one another,” Bruce Adams, president and CEO of the Credit Union League of Connecticut said. “As not-for-profit financial institutions, we leverage the collective strength of our members to provide flexible, creative, and compassionate assistance to the people and communities who need it the most. We applaud Governor Lamont for affirming our unique ability to help in times of need.”

“Connecticut banks are ready to continue to assist their customers,” Tom Mongellow, President of the Connecticut Banker’s Association, said. “They understand that these are uncertain times and are ready to help ensure the financial wellbeing of Connecticut residents. When customers reach out directly to their bank, they will find a helpful and willing partner.”

Judicial branch continues with expansion of operations

The Connecticut Judicial Branch today announced that effective Monday, June 29, it is targeting the resumption of limited operations at four additional courthouse locations, including the Judicial District courthouses in Danbury, Milford, and Stamford, and the Geographical Area No. 11 courthouse in Danielson.

The expansion will bring the number of open courthouses to 17, including the Supreme Court, the Appellate Court, 13 Superior Court locations, and two juvenile court locations. As such, one Superior Court courthouse will be open in each of the 13 Judicial Districts.

The Judicial Branch is also planning to expand its hours and days of operations to the following:

• Starting the week of June 15, all open courthouse locations will be open each day, Monday through Friday. The hours for the public will be Mondays from 9AM to 5PM, and Tuesdays through Fridays from 9AM to 1PM.
• Starting the week of June 29, the Danbury, Milford, Stamford, and Danielson courthouses will be open to the public. Consistent with all other open courthouse locations, public hours will be Mondays from 9AM to 5PM, and Tuesdays through Fridays from 9AM to 1PM.
• Starting the week of July 6, open courthouse locations will be open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 9AM to 5PM.

Most work within the open court locations will continue to focus on those most pressing matters, such as criminal arraignments for defendants held on bond, domestic violence cases, restraining orders, emergency child custody matters, juvenile detention hearings, and all other emergency matters.

For more information on today’s announcement, read the press release issued by the Judicial Branch. Additional guidance on the impact of COVID-19 on the courts continues to be updated on the Judicial Branch’s website at jud.ct.gov.

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.