May 12, 2020

COVID-19 Update – May 12

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I hope you are healthy, safe, and made some Mothers Day memories over the weekend. I am writing with an update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

As a reminder, the state maintains a portal with updated statistics on COVID-19 infections, fatalities, and hospitalizations. If you’re a numbers tracker, please bear in mind that testing statistics are limited to the number of patients tested. There are vastly fewer people tested than those who are not. This can make hard numbers like confirmed cases and fatalities seem “inflated.” When we look at the data in “apples-to-apples” terms, we see the curve flattening and hospitalizations down for 16 of the last 17 days. This good news leads us to a measured, cautious May 20, 2020 “Phase 1” re-opening.

Please be patient and understand that, as we transition back to open, it will be done in baby steps. The plan is to ease back but continue to practice the safe habits that have flattened the curve to avoid secondary outbreaks. Hang in there and be mindful of the social-distancing, mask & glove use and hand washing that we have used to get us to this point. Be ready to “adjust,” as we learn what works and what does not. Most of all, be considerate of others, especially those who seem more uneasy than you. All we don’t know about this virus affects each of us differently. Be kind to your hairdresser, your servers, the person leaning-away from you in a store, your co-workers and your spouse.

Gov. Lamont Releases Rules for Businesses Opening May 20^th

Governor Ned Lamont’s administration has released guidelines and rules for businesses allowed to open on May 20 under the state’s Phase 1 reopening plan. Phase 1 includes hair salons and barbershops; restaurants with outdoor seating areas; offices; zoos and museums; and retail stores.

Documents containing sector-by-sector rules are available for download at the links below:

Please note that businesses are not required to open, but those that choose to do so will be required to self-certify using an online certification process that is expected to be available this week.

Update on State Education System

Last week, Governor Lamont announced that he received a detailed report containing recommendations for a phased reopening of colleges and universities in Connecticut over the summer and into the fall semester. The report was prepared by the co-chairs of the higher education subcommittee of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group. Read the full report here.

Yesterday, the governor held a roundtable with members of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group to answer questions about the reopening of the education system. The discussion was focused on public schools, colleges, and universities. Click here to view the video.

Volunteering During the COVID-19 Outbreak

The state and its nonprofit partners continue to need volunteers willing to help communities respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The state recently expanded its recruitment to bolster the ranks of volunteers for nonprofits that offer support to children and adults in programs for intellectual disabilities, behavioral health settings, and organizations that support senior citizens.

Those interested in volunteering can express their interest by clicking here. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and cannot be at risk or compromised.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns about the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, or any other state government matter.

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