Capitol Update 11.21.2020
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
I hope you and your family are well. This week, I am writing with resources for testing, holiday and travel guidance/recommendations, an announcement from PURA regarding payment programs for utility customers, as well as an update from the Office of Early Childhood regarding a new search tool for child care.
Access to Coronavirus Testing
Testing sites have become more widely available across our state. 2-1-1 Connecticut has created a convenient searchable directory for COVID-19 diagnostic testing locations. To access this tool, click on the button below. Additionally, the Department of Public Health has published a frequently asked questions guide on testing.
Safe Travel
CT DOT has announced additional coaches for Shore Line East and CTrail/Amtrak Hartford Line services to better accommodate social distancing for Thanksgiving holiday travelers. Passengers must wear masks or face covering and seating is limited to 50% capacity.
Per executive orders, anyone traveling into Connecticut from a state, other than New York, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, with a positive case rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or higher than a 10% test positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average, or from a country for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, are directed to self-quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state or country.
Preparing for the Holidays
The Department of Public Health (DPH) has put together some general recommendations and considerations for reducing risk during the holiday season.
Improved Child Care Search Tool
Earlier this week, the Office of Early Childhood and United Way/CT 211 announced an enhanced search tool for child care programs and youth camps. The search tool provides detailed information regarding program offerings and services for center-based and home-based licensed child care providers.
PURA Coronavirus Payment Program
Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is reminding all customers that the enrollment period for the COVID-19 Payment Program for both residential and non-residential customers is extended through at least February 9, 2021.