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 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 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 of current COVID-19 hospitalizations:

For a series of interactive graphs and maps that provide additional data, including metrics related to age, gender, and race/ethnicity, as well as data broken down by every town and city in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”

As more shop online during pandemic, consumers reminded to make holiday returns or exchanges as soon as possible

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is reminding consumers that they should be aware of return and exchange policies as they continue their holiday shopping this year, particularly as many people have been shopping online during the ongoing pandemic.

Buyers should read the terms and conditions prior to submitting their orders to understand their return and exchange rights, as well as the remedies available if a package is seriously delayed. Consumers should return unwanted gifts sooner than later to ensure the best outcome for their return or exchange.

This year, the state agency has received more than 1,100 complaints related to refunds, credits, and exchanges. That’s almost 400 more complaints than the department received in 2019.

“With so many people shopping online this year, it’s especially important to be aware of return and exchange policies before you make your purchases,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said. “Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, make sure to keep your receipts, and ask for gift receipts when possible, as well as pay attention to the timeframe for returns on particular purchases.”

Here are useful tips that consumers should know:

• In Connecticut, sellers can set their own refund or exchange policies, provided they post the policy in a conspicuous place for customers to see.
• If there is no policy posted, customers may return any new, unused item to the store with a proof of purchase within seven calendar days and get a cash refund on a cash sale or a credit to their account on a credit sale.
• Consumers are not entitled to a refund on:
• Food;
• Perishable items, including live plants;
• Custom-ordered or custom-made items;
• Items that were cold “as is” or as a “final sale;”
• Items with no proof of purchase; and
• Used items.
• Stores may charge a “restocking fee,” which covers its cost for returning an unwanted item to its warehouse. If this restocking fee is part of the store’s refund and exchange policy, it must be posted in a conspicuous place for customers to see.
• Tax law affects refunds. Retailers cannot issue a refund on the sales tax portion of a purchase without having a printed sales receipt, and after 90 days, no refunds of sales tax are allowed at all, even with a receipt.

If consumers have issues with a return or exchange, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov or by visiting ct.gov/dcp/complaint.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This 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.