Coronavirus Update: House Republican Resource Page, Masks for Heroes, and More Updates from the Governor’s Office

House Republican Resource Page

This crisis has inspired people to help others in so many ways. That means we are receiving a lot of information on a daily basis from multiple sources, and that can be overwhelming. The governor’s office and various Connecticut departments and agencies have created resource pages for our convenience.

On our House Republicans’ website, we have compiled a list of federal and state programs you may find useful. This includes an overview of the federal stimulus package for individuals, families, and businesses; state programs such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP); health insurance information; changes to unemployment insurance; small business assistance, and so much more.

COVID-19 Information & Resources for Residents & Businesses: Click Here

Masks for Heroes

In an effort to raise awareness and money to buy emergency certified equipment, specifically masks, a statewide program – Masks for Heroes – has been launched. The grassroots partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven will distribute the Level 1, FDA-approved masks to hospitals, first responders, and other frontline emergency workers to combat the COVID-19 virus.

100 percent of all donations go directly to protect medical staff, care-givers, and first responders throughout Connecticut. Approximately 500,000 masks have already been distributed throughout the state, but hundreds of thousands more will be needed.

If you would like to donate, you can make your tax-deductible online gift or check payable to the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, and mail to 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525, Attention: Mask for Heroes.

Latest from the Governor’s Office

Executive Order 7U

The governor’s latest executive order protects healthcare workers and healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and field hospitals, from lawsuits for acts or omissions undertaken in good faith in support of the state’s COVID-19 response. State statutes already provide similar protections for other first responders, including police, firefighters, and EMS personnel.

• List of Executive Orders: Click Here

• Other News & Announcements: Click Here

COVID-19 Cases in Connecticut

New Canaan, Wilton, and most of Fairfield County have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are the latest numbers from the Connecticut Department of Public Health:

• Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Cases: 7,781

• Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19-Associated Deaths: 277

• Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19: 1,308

• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Fairfield County: 4,136

• Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths in Fairfield County:132

• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in New Canaan: 78

• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Wilton: 86

These numbers are unsettling, and while more bad news is likely to come, I do believe that social distancing efforts have helped to slow the spread of the virus and save lives. Keeping our distance from each other and only leaving our home for essential errands is imperative as we near the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please continue to stay safe, remain home if at all possible, and try to remain optimistic. Our healthcare professionals and first responders are working around the clock to treat the sick while putting their own health at risk. I am truly thankful for their heroic efforts.

Additional Resources

As a reminder, these are the best regularly updated resources from global, federal, state and local governments and agencies:

Global

• World Health Organization: Click Here

Federal

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Click Here

State

• State of Connecticut Web Portal: Click Here

• FAQ Document from Governor’s Office: Click Here

Local

• Town of New Canaan: Click Here

• Town of Wilton: Click Here

As always, I will provide more updates as I receive new information. Please reach out to me if you have questions or concerns about the state and local response to the COVID-19 crisis, or any state government matter. I am more than happy to speak with you directly, provide more information if possible, and to serve as a resource for you and your families.

Email: Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov

Best,

State Representative Tom O’Dea

125^th General Assembly District

New Canaan & Wilton