Update: April 4 6:30 p.m. – State Response to Coronavirus

Friends and Neighbors,

Governor Lamont this evening announced that FEMA approved his request to add housing for survivors of domestic violence to reimbursement guidelines during the coronavirus outbreak. He also announced that more than one million meals have been served under the emergency meals programs, and the tourism commission is shifting focus to bring positive messages about the Stay Safe, Stay Home order to Connecticut families.

In a press release tonight, Governor Lamont announced:

FEMA approves Lamont administration’s request to include domestic violence survivors in non-congregate housing guidelines

FEMA today notified the state that it has approved the Lamont administration’s request to add housing for survivors of domestic violence in the reimbursement guidelines it previously approved for Connecticut, which authorized the state and municipalities to receive a 75 percent reimbursement for the costs associated with providing non-congregate housing first responders and health care workers who temporarily need a place to live separate from family or roommates, and also for those who are homeless.

“Ensuring safe housing for survivors of domestic violence in locations that are less congested than what many of the locations that typically offer these services usually provide is critical at this time, and I thank FEMA for approving our request to cover these services,” Governor Lamont said.

Connecticut’s schools have served more than one million meals under emergency programs

As of Friday afternoon, Connecticut’s public schools have served more than one million meals under the emergency meals programs the State Department of Education launched last month in response to Governor Lamont’s order for classes at schools to be canceled statewide. A total of 128 school districts are serving meals at 407 locations.

In accordance with federal requirements, the state is operating two emergency meals programs to ensure children do not go hungry during this crisis:

• Under one program, certain school districts are authorized to serve meals only to students who attend their schools or any other child 18 years of age and younger residing in the same household.
• Under the other program, certain school districts are authorized to serve meals to any child 18 years of age and younger, regardless of which town or city the child lives or what school they attend.

Households should check with the individual school districts for information on the time and location the meals are being served, and further guidance regarding their distribution.

Connecticut’s Tourism Office promotes local restaurants offering take-out and delivery services, provides virtual at-home activities

The State of Connecticut’s Tourism Office has shifted its focus from its usual promotional activities to adjust to the public health emergency and Governor Lamont’s order for residents to “Stay Safe, Stay Home.”

The state’s official tourism website, CTVisit.com, has been adapted to reflect this new reality and is featuring a number activities residents can either do in secluded locations or safely at home through virtual experiences. This includes the creation of a list of restaurants, breweries, and vineyards that are now offering take-out and delivery services; and also a collection of online, virtual experiences about Connecticut landmarks, museums, and attractions that provide educational opportunities to engage children while staying safe at home.

The governor’s full press release can be read here: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2020/04-2020/Governor-Lamont-Coronavirus-Update-April-4

*****

As of 4:00 p.m. tonight – Saturday, April 4th – the state has diagnosed a total of 5276 cases of Coronavirus. Updated virus totals can be accessed here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus

Governor Lamont also said the state death toll related to Coronavirus has risen to 165. 

Latest COVID-19 Testing Data in Connecticut 

Updated 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2020

Total patients who tested positive: 5276

Fairfield County: 2824

Hartford County: 726

Litchfield County: 182

Middlesex County: 100

New Haven County: 1024

New London County: 57

Tolland County: 91

Windham County: 31

Pending address validation: 241