March 13, 2020

State and Local Coronavirus Resources

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Dear Friends & Neighbors,

I wanted to take this opportunity to share state and local resources and information available to you in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The state of Connecticut has launched an extensive website portal.ct.gov/coronavirus with daily updates on the situation as it develops and serves as a directory to other helpful online resources.

Additionally, the state has launched a 24/7 hotline, in cooperation with United Way of Connecticut, for questions from the public regarding issues related to the spread of coronavirus. People with questions can call 2-1-1 or text “CTCOVID” to 898211 for the most up-to-date information.

Governor Lamont recently declared a civil preparedness and public health emergency for the State of Connecticut in response to recent cases of Coronavirus. The Governor and public health officials will provide daily updates on the situation as it develops. On Thursday (3/12), Governor Lamont announced an executive order in response to the growing public health threat from coronavirus. This order limits public gatherings of 250 or more, waives the 180 day school year requirement, limits visitation to nursing homes, extends driver’s license renewals, and relaxes attendance requirements for police academy trainees. Click Here.

Local Resources:

Chatham Health District: Click Here
Press Release
Town of Colchester: Click Here
Town of East Haddam: Click Here
Town of East Hampton: Click Here

Other Informational Resources:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance: Click Here
Middlesex Health: Click Here
Additionally, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has released a 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.

Legislative Business:

As part of the effort to slow the spread of the outbreak, the 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 continue to provide updates as the situation changes.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” I would urge everyone in the community to remain calm and vigilant.

Please share these resources with anyone you think may benefit from this information.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about state government please do not hesitate to contact me at Irene.Haines@housegop.ct.gov.

Best Regards,

Irene Haines – 34th District