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Information Regarding COVID-19 – March 26

Posted on March 26, 2020

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I hope that you and your family members are taking all the necessary steps to keep safe and well during this stressful time.

The governor in his Wednesday afternoon update [watch] stated that a total of 875 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents, an increase from yesterday’s reported 618. All of our state’s counties have confirmed cases. There have been 113 hospitalizations and 19 reported deaths.

Click here to check out Wednesday’s statistical summary.

Don’t forget: the state maintains a website that carries useful information and resources for many stakeholders. There’s a helpful “frequently asked questions” guide, too.

State’s coronavirus information site

Click here for frequently asked questions

Lane Closure on I-395 Northbound and Southbound in Montville and Norwich

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the start of nighttime lane closures on I-395 northbound and southbound in Montville and Norwich beginning on March 29, 2020.

The lane closures are necessary to facilitate the replacement of median guide rail and grading of the entire median area, including incidental drainage adjustments. Concrete barriers will be installed in both directions along the left shoulder to allow for the safe removal and installation of guide rail.

More information can be found here

Help for Businesses: Connecticut Recovery Bridge Program

This morning, Governor Ned Lamont has announced the Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan ProgramBelow is information from The Governor’s statement. The full statement can be read here.

Governor Lamont Launches Emergency No-Interest Loan Program for Connecticut Small Businesses and Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits that have been negatively impacted by the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for one-year, no-interest loans of up to $75,000 under the launch of a new program administered by the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

The Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program will make $25 million available to Connecticut businesses and nonprofits that have 100 or fewer employees to assist with cash flow. Loan amounts are up to the lesser of either three months operating expenses and/or $75,000.

Provisions and eligibility requirements include:

  • Zero percent interest rate;
  • 12-month term with 6-month extension per request;
  • Personal guaranty and credit score required;
  • Approval contingent upon business being profitable prior to March 10, 2020 and no adverse personal credit reports 60 days past due for the last 6 months; and
  • Ineligible companies include those involved in real estate, multi-level marketing, adult entertainment, cannabis, and firearms.

More information for business owners and workers

Governor’s Guidance on “Non Essential” Businesses

In case you missed it, last week the governor issued an executive order closing all “non-essential” businesses. Click here to read guidance on the governor’s order. If you’d like to request an exemption for your business, click here.

DECD’s Business Emergency Response Unit

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development has created a COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit dedicated to assisting businesses navigate resources and develop new resources. A dedicated phone line is available at 860-500-2333 to provide assistance to Connecticut’s small businesses for this purpose.

Unemployment assistance

Workers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic no longer must be actively searching for work to qualify for unemployment assistance. And employers who are furloughing workers can use the Department of Labor’s shared work program, which allows businesses to reduce working hours and have those wages supplemented with unemployment insurance. Click here for information.

Paid leave, federal action in this crisis

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was quickly moved through Congress and signed into law. The Act takes effect April 2nd. You can read the full bill here, and a summary here. Check out the links below for information about benefits and what’s required of workers and employees.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements

COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act: Questions and Answers

COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act: Questions and Answershttps://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Coronavirus-for-Businesses

Additional Updates

School closure order extended by the governor

Governor Lamont on Monday said he would order Connecticut public schools to remain closed until April 20th rather than his original March 31st target.

Review all of the governor’s executive orders here.

Room and board refunds

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system made a few announcements Wednesday, including news that the universities will credit student accounts for unused room and board by next week. Thereafter, any credit balance will be refunded to students. CSCU stated that its institutions will not refund tuition and fees because they are converting to an online instruction model for the remainder of the term in order to complete the coursework students have begun this semester.

State’s court system remains open

Connecticut’s Judicial Branch today issued information about its response to the outbreak, spelling out priority functions and information about jury service. Click here for more.

Some good news report…

  • Fishing season is officially underway through an order from Gov. Lamont.
  • The governor won’t close golf courses but ordered strong social distancing measure
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