CT Update a/o 3/17/2020 -
still seeing widespread lack of compliance on social distancing in restaurants and stores and in public in Fairfield County where there are the most COVID19 cases - Hartford Legislators seems unwilling or unable to issue swift and strong rulings on COVID19 issues and are leaving much up to public choice in terms of compliance with guidelines IMO.
Not sure what the point is of a Tri State response (NY, CT and NJ) if CT politicians and residents aren't able to hold up their end of the bargain. Gov Lamont seems unwilling or unable to issue swift and strong rulings to keep the vulnerable in the State safe as most are treating the State provided guidance as "OPTIONAL". Sad to see this behaviour from so many. Stronger rules from the State are desperately needed IMO! Testing still remains a huge bottleneck and some Towns (that have $$$) are engaging in private testing for their citizens.
Connecticut likely has thousands of cases of COVID-19, top health official says, as coronavirus continues to affect all aspects of state
Developments on the coronavirus outbreak in Connecticut on Tuesday included:
- Lamont said on CNN that the state’s hospital association was “scouring the globe” for ventilators but that he’d like the federal government to “take the lead” on the shortage.
- Hartford HealthCare became the latest medical group to limit elective surgeries, as they brace for a wave of COVID-19 patients.
- A student at Grove School in Madison has tested positive for the virus and has been isolated at his home in New York, Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons announced in a letter to the town. The student was “immediately isolated” when he began to show symptoms before returning home and the school closed early for spring break, which had been set to begin this week.
- The Connecticut Post Mall in announced it will close Thursday until further notice and will “reopen based on guidance from our local health authorities,” according to a statement.
- The state Department of Public Health urged salons, barber shops and massage businesses to shut down indefinitely. Some local and regional health departments have already required those businesses to close.
- The Department of Motor Vehicles closed all of its branch offices to the public and the Department of Revenue Services suspended in-person visits so both department’s employees can focus on online services.
- The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection suspended enforcement at bottle collection facilities, but stopped short of requiring them to shut down, so that stores can focus their staff members on stocking shelves instead.
- The Archdiocese of Hartford, Diocese of Norwich and Diocese of Bridgeport suspended Masses.
- Macy’s and Nordstrom, both of which operate numerous stores in Connecticut, announced they will close locations nationwide through the end of the month.
- Westfarms and The Shoppes at Buckland Hills reduced their operating hours. Lamont said any decision about shutting down malls would be made in coordination with the governors of nearby states.
- Dollar General and Stop & Shop implemented early-morning hours designed specifically for senior citizens, who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
- The Hartford Foundation launched a coronavirus response fund, with $1 million in seed funding.
- Some Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings were canceled. The organizations are offering virtual meetings instead.
CT hospitals launch drive-through testing, prep for patient surge as coronavirus cases continue to rise »
State economic relief package in progress
Lamont and state legislative leaders continue to work on a package of economic relief that would include loan relief, tax-payment deferrals, child care and more, officials said Tuesday
Lamont’s chief economic adviser, David Lehman, said he has already delayed payments for more than 800 businesses that have loans through the state Department of Economic and Community Development.
“We’re very focused on what we can do quickly that has a real impact,’’ Lehman said. “We’re very focused on getting help and assistance and money out the door or delaying payments that are coming in the door — to ease some of that stress. It’s everything from restaurants to small manufacturers to small service businesses."
Lamont, Lehman and the state banking commissioner have all spoken to executives at Connecticut banks in an effort to create loan deferrals in the private sector. They hope to create a coalition similar to one formed last year that provided loans for federal employees who were not being paid during a federal government shutdown.
“The banks are saying they’re going to work with their clients," Lehman said. “They understand this is a very unique and challenging time. They’re going to play the long game with their clients. To a bank, they’re very focused on working with their clients and helping them through this time."
Lamont has already delayed payments for some business taxes.
“On the individual income tax front, we will look to mirror the federal government if they extend the April 15 date," Lehman said.
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said Tuesday that federal tax filers owing less than $1 million will be granted a 90-day extension to pay. No decision had been made Tuesday evening as to what Connecticut would do.
The state’s economic relief package is also expected to include additional money for day care, to allow parents with young children to continue working.
Deputy House Republican leader Vincent Candelora said the package is being developed in consultation with legislative leaders and the governor to ensure businesses can reopen or keep operating.
“We need to look at the trickle-down impact for businesses," he said Tuesday. “On the horizon is property taxes for July 1. We should be having a conversation about reducing that 18% interest rate if businesses are paying their property taxes late."
