Public Health & Safety Update: DPH, Vaccination Efforts, Schools

As Connecticut enters a critical phase in the response to COVID-19, I would like to provide you with an update on the following public health matters:

• Current status of the search for a permanent state Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner – a position which has been vacant since May, 2020
• Where things stand with Phase 1b of the state’s Vaccination Distribution Program
• Efforts to keep schools open safely during the pandemic and to provide minimum standards for online learning when in-person instruction is not possible

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Department of Public Health Update

House Republicans have asked Governor Lamont for an update on the search for a permanent Commissioner for the Department of Public Health (DPH). In response, the governor announced that the search has been put on hold until the public health crisis has ended. Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford, who also runs the state’s Department of Social Services, will continue to run both departments in the interim.

Dr. Gifford has been given the challenging task of leading two major state departments during the worst pandemic of our lifetimes, and we appreciate her tireless work, and that of her staff. However, I know many of you still have questions about the vaccine rollout, as well as general public health guidance related to education, business operations, and more. That is why we believe it is necessary to find a new commissioner whose sole responsibility it is to run DPH – the state organization tasked with responding to the pandemic.

We believe this will increase communications between DPH and the public, and will hopefully clarify lingering questions about the vaccine distribution program. The legislature is also faced with the decision of whether or not to extend the governor’s emergency powers, and given the current state of affairs, many of us have serious reservations about this. We hope the governor recommences the search for a new DPH commissioner promptly.

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Vaccination Distribution Program: Phase 1b

Below is a summary of Phase 1b of the state’s vaccination distribution program, which began this week.

Scheduling Now:

• Seniors ages 75 and up. CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION

Scheduling Next:

• Individuals between the ages of 65 and 74

Scheduling Soon:

• Frontline essential workers
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19

Residents and staff of congregate settings will be phased in throughout Phase 1b.

Details regarding who qualifies as a frontline essential worker or congregate setting staff member or resident can be found on the state’s COVID-19 web portal.

If you are 75 years of age or older, I encourage you to register as soon as possible should you choose to be vaccinated. In addition to registering online using the link above, there are two additional ways to register for the vaccination:

1. Healthcare Providers: Over 100 healthcare providers statewide are offering the vaccine. Keep an eye on this page for updated information regarding locations.
2. Telephone: You may call the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. This line will be available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. A call-back option will be available.

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Educating Our Students During COVID-19

As parents, many of us are worried about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 education. It has been a constant struggle to balance public health and safety with the need to keep students engaged in an online or hybrid learning environment. This issue is most concerning when it comes to young children.

Recently, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora and Ranking Member of the Education Committee Kathleen McCarty introduced legislation establishing minimum guidelines for remote learning. Since we do not know when schools will be able to return to full time, in-person instruction, we need to make sure students do not fall behind in their studies and have the best chance for success.

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has also laid out a 6-point plan to keep schools open. This plan includes (1) priority access to testing, (2) BinaxNOW COVID testing, (3) vaccinating all school staff members during Phase 1b, (4) contact tracing support, (5) weekly meetings with education leaders and elected officials to keep the lines of communication open, and (6) up-to-date guidance and assistance for schools.

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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