Posted on March 12, 2020
With the advancing spread and outbreak pockets of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as close as New Rochelle, NY, heightened attention and extraordinary precautions are being undertaken in all communities, ours included.
Please be assured that our state, local and national public health authorities are not “overreacting.” Because of all we do not know about the spread of COVID-19, it is appropriate that the public response not fall short. I support Governor Ned Lamont’s swift and aggressive actions, including declarations agreed upon by legislative leaders invoking both a civil preparedness emergency and a public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Here are some helpful tips to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect yourself:
Government Action:
The governor’s administration has released a compilation of frequently asked questions related to the state’s response to COVID-19. You can access the document directly by clicking here (best option for mobile devices), or you can click on the icon below.
Governor Lamont’s office has taken multiple actions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus:
Effective Monday, March 23, at 8:00pm, Governor Ned Lamont has ordered all “non-essential” businesses to close in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. This does NOT include grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants with to-go menus, and other essential businesses. The full guidance, with a complete list of sectors that are able to stay open, can be accessed by clicking here.
All school districts in the state will remain closed until at least Wednesday, May 20. The governor is closely monitoring the outbreak and will make a determination in the coming weeks about extending the closure further. Read the latest executive order here.
The Department of Revenue Services has also extended the state personal income tax filing deadline to July 15.
COVID-19 Testing Information:
I understand that there may be many questions about the state’s testing capacity. In addition to the State Laboratory, there are currently 15 medical facilities across the state with the ability to test patients for COVID-19. That capacity continues to increase as more support from the federal government becomes available. At this time, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is recommending that anybody who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing, shortness of breath, and/or fever) or who has traveled to an area where the disease is highly prevalent to contact their healthcare provider to determine whether a test is required. Please also note that a doctor’s order is required for testing to take place.
Local, State, and Federal Resources:
I encourage anyone with questions and concerns to seek out information from reliable sources, some of which I provide below. These are factual, frequently updated communications being put forth by federal, state and local public health officials.
The administration has also launched a hotline, in cooperation with United Way of Connecticut, for questions from the public regarding issues related to the spread of coronavirus. People with questions or concerns can call 2-1-1 or text “CTCOVID” to 898211.
Additionally, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has released a resource guide and coronavirus FAQs page for parents trying to navigate this ever-evolving outbreak.
Finally, please click here for great kid-friendly resources, complete with interactive games and quizzes, that may help your little ones understand the virus.
Information About Scams
Crises like the COVID-19 outbreak often have many people worried about financial security, and unfortunately, there are scammers taking advantage of this.
To that end, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers (NAIFA) is working with FEMA’s National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) to offer credible resources to consumers about ongoing COVID-19-related scams; tips on who to contact regarding health claims/questions; and information on how to find licensed, knowledgeable, ethical professionals to assist with financial security planning.
I encourage you to explore NAIFA’s free consumer website, which is complete with a Frequently Asked Questions section and a list of resources for businesses and families. Click here to access the site.
Please remain vigilant during these troubling times by understanding the warning signals of a scam and by only providing personal information to sources you trust.
Moratorium on Utility Shut-Offs
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has ordered the gas, electric, and water public service companies regulated by the Authority to implement a Shut-off Moratorium and refrain from terminating utility service
to residential customers, except for reasons of public safety, for the duration of the Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergency declared by Governor Lamont on March 10, 2020, or until such other time determined by the Authority.
Legislative Business:
As part of the effort to slow the spread of the outbreak, legislative leaders have announced the closure of the Legislative Office Building and State Capitol until Monday, March 30th. During this time the building will undergo a thorough cleaning and employees will continue working remotely. The General Assembly is currently convened in the “short session,” which runs from February 5th through May 6th. Leaders of the House and Senate Republican and Democrat caucuses will continue to meet and discuss the extension of committee deadlines and how to proceed with legislative business.
I will issue periodic updates as needed but, generally, unless the overall situation, advice or priorities change, I will not be one who fills your email unnecessarily. As always, if you have questions regarding COVID-19 or would like more information about how our government is preparing for the virus, please contact me at (860) 240-8700 or Mitch.Bolinsky@housegop.ct.gov.
