February 6, 2021

COVID-19 Update: Vaccination Progress, Stamford Health, and Revised Curfew for Restaurants

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Statewide Vaccination Update

We’ve now reached a point where roughly 10 percent of Connecticut’s population (358,019) has received at least one dose of the two-part vaccination, and 101,238 have received their second dose.

Phase 1a of the state’s vaccination distribution program included healthcare workers, medical first responders, and nursing home residents and employees. Phase 1b, which we are in now, has begun with seniors over the age of 75. Nearly half of residents in this age group have been vaccinated and the data is showing that infection and hospitalization rates have stabilized, if not slightly improved.

Residents ages 65-74 are next in line to receive the vaccine, and we expect this to happen in February, followed by individuals ages 16-64 with underlying health conditions some time in March. Individuals who live and work within congregate settings and frontline essential workers will also be included in Phase 1b.

For the latest COVID-19 vaccination data for Connecticut, click here.

Stamford Health has Openings for the Vaccination

If you are 75 years or older, Stamford Health has appointments currently available, and they are encouraging local residents to register as soon as possible.

If you fall into this age group, and would like to be vaccinated, you may either visit their website or call (203) 276-7300 to schedule an appointment. In addition to appointment availability, their website has useful information about eligibility and contains fact sheets for both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

CLICK HERE to BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Updates from the Governor’s Office and DPH

Extended Days/Hours for COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Hotline

Beginning Monday, February 8, the COVID-19 vaccine appointment hotline will be available 12 hours per day, seven days per week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you are 75+, but do not have internet access, you may call the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. A call-back option will be available. Staff members will be able to assist you and are capable of booking up to 10,000 appointments per week. Those with internet access may continue to register online via the state’s COVID-19 vaccine page.

Governor Lifts Restrictions on Places of Worship, Extends Restaurant Curfew

Just days after House Republicans called upon the governor to lift numerical limitations on religious gatherings at places of worship, Governor Lamont removed this barrier, provided masks and social distancing are enforced. Facilities will remain capped at 50 percent capacity. In addition, the curfew on restaurants has been extended from 10:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

Governor Allocates $40M to Hospitals to Assist with COVID-19 Response

This week, the governor announced that he will be disbursing $40 million from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund to Connecticut acute care hospitals to assist with their COVID-19 response efforts. This funding includes $2,772,223 for Norwalk Hospital Association and $2,796,426 for Stamford Hospital.

As always, please contact me if you have questions about the state response to COVID-19, the vaccination distribution program, or any state government matter. I also encourage you to share this information with anyone who may find it useful.

Email: Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov