Schools to Reopen, DMV Update, and New Travel Advisory
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Below you will find three updates from the governor’s office. These updates include information about the reopening of schools this fall, limited in-person services now available at the DMV, and details about a new tri-state travel advisory.
As always, decisions on these matters are made by the governor and state agencies under the state’s executive branch. The legislature is expected to be called in for special session in the coming weeks. I will provide an update on that when I receive more information.
Schools to Reopen this Fall
Distance learning has allowed our educators to continue doing their very important jobs during the height of this pandemic, but it has also presented several challenges. Many teachers, parents, and students have found themselves limited in what can be accomplished online between internet issues, difficulty accessing electronic devices, and other technology barriers. Generally speaking, the virtual classrooms, while necessary, could not provide the same experience as in-person instruction.
The governor announced yesterday that full-time, in-person classes, under strict guidelines, can resume this fall. Some of these measures include grouping teachers/students into cohorts to limit their exposure to other members of the school community; utilization of existing space/facilities to maximize social distancing (using gyms and cafeterias as classrooms for example); requiring face coverings for students and teachers while on buses and in school buildings; and other requirements.
This is subject to change if public health data signals a resurgence in COVID-19 cases.
It is critical that all students, especially our youngest ones, have access to the best education possible, and this process is most effective in a classroom setting where children can interact with their peers and receive more one-on-one attention. As long as this can be done in a safe and responsible way, it will give our children and educators a much-needed sense of normalcy.
Read the full press release: Click Here
DMV Now Offering Limited In-Person Services
The state Department of Motor Vehicles is now offering limited in-person services by appointment only. Services include license and non-driver ID cards, out-of-state transfers, and CDL updates (Hamden office only). Some services are still available online and renewals on some items now have extended deadlines.
Click here to make an appointment.
Governors Urge Certain Travelers to Self-Quarantine
Governor Lamont, Governor Cuomo (New York), and Governor Murphy (New Jersey) have announced a joint travel advisory, now in effect, for individuals coming from states with high COVID-19 rates. These individuals are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days from their last point of contact within one of the affected states. As of Wednesday, this applies to individuals coming from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. The list will be updated as needed.
Read the full release: Click Here
As always, please contact me if you have any questions regarding these updates or if you would like to discuss any other state issues. I am always happy to serve as a resource for you and your family.
Email: Brian.Lanoue@cga.ct.gov
Sincerely,
State Rep. Brian Lanoue
45th Connecticut House District
Griswold, Lisbon, Plainfield, Sterling, Voluntown