March 16, 2020

Rep. Rutigliano: COVID-19 Updates

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COVID-19 Updates

As the coronavirus outbreak continues, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest accurate information. I’m working hard to keep our community informed, and I wanted to share a few updates with you.

You can also visit the Trumbull town website for the latest local information.

Governor Ned Lamont announced this weekend that there are now 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Connecticut. This number is expected to rise as testing becomes more available.

Over the last few days, Governor Lamont’s office has taken multiple actions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus:

Restaurants, Bars, Schools Closed
In an effort to prevent public gatherings that could rapidly spread the coronavirus, Governor Ned Lamont announced today that all restaurants and bars in the state must close by 8 p.m. Restaurants can continue operating carryout and delivery sales. This decision comes as part of a regional agreement with the governors of New York and New Jersey, as the tri-state area is already dealing with a high volume of coronavirus cases.

In addition, movie theaters, gyms and commercial casinos must also close, and gatherings of 50 or more people will be banned indefinitely statewide. Supermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies and other essential businesses will remain open.

Additionally, Governor Lamont announced all public schools in the state will be closed for at least two weeks beginning March 17th. While these closures continue, school districts are launching efforts to ensure students will be able to access breakfast and lunch options. Please consult the Trumbull school district website for more information.

Unemployment and Layoffs
Unfortunately, an increasing number of businesses will be laying off staff and reducing hours. The financial repercussions of this health crisis could be tremendous, and I’m working hard to make state resources available to those who are most in need. The Connecticut Department of Labor asks that you follow these steps if you are a worker or business owner who needs to file for unemployment:

If you are a worker: Please visit www.filectui.com to file for unemployment and please do so as soon as possible. It is important to file as soon as you become unemployed. If you need help completing your application, you can email dol.webhelp@ct.gov. Outcome will depend on a case-by-case basis.

Small Businesses Assistance

I understand that these measures are particularly disruptive to businesses and the economy. Please be assured that the state is doing all it can to soften the impact of this outbreak on employers.

* Governor Lamont is requesting the Small Business Administration issue a declaration enabling Connecticut’s small business owners to receive disaster assistance.
* The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is extending the filing deadline for certain annual state business tax returns. Please regularly check the DRS website to determine how this may affect you.

* Please go to the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Assistance Program, here for more information.

Coronavirus Testing

I have also received many questions about the state’s testing capacity. That capacity continues to increase as more support from the federal government becomes available. At this time, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is recommending that anybody who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing, shortness of breath, and/or fever) or who has traveled to an area where the disease is highly prevalent to contact their healthcare provider to determine whether a test is required. Please also note that a doctor’s order is required for testing to take place.

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The situation surrounding COVID-19 is constantly changing, and I will continue providing updates as quickly as possible after they become available. In the meantime, I encourage you to not only to exercise extreme caution, but to check-in with your friends, neighbors, and family members. With caution and compassion, we will get through this.

As always, if you have any concerns or would like more information about how our government is handling the outbreak, please do not hesitate to email me at David.Rutigliano@housegop.ct.gov.