Thought it would be a good idea to repeat my comments from earlier today:


I was informed late last night that there are now seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Aaron Manor. The State Health Department is in charge of outbreaks in nursing homes and similar facilities in Connecticut and are following this situation closely. The Chester Hose Company has issued specific directives to its employees and volunteers regarding procedures and protective equipment to ensure that they are able to respond to any calls without putting themselves at undue risk.

We now have 9 positively identified cases in Chester, with one person admitted to the hospital. With the scarcity of testing and the differences in symptoms from person to person, there are assuredly more cases here than we are able to identify. Please continue to protect yourselves and your families by following the guidance of washing hands, staying home as much as possible, social distancing, wearing masks in public locations, etc. We are certainly heading into a difficult period - please stay safe and healthy.


Please know that our health department personnel, first responders, and town staff are being extremely careful to protect themselves and others from being contaminated. There is much hand washing, changes of clothing, wiping down surfaces, masks and other PPE in use as much as possible. Some of our personnel who have been active with the local nursing homes, Masonicare and other institutions with large senior or other vulnerable populations have self quarantined as a result of the latest events. The Hose Company will be releasing a video shortly to display to the public how they will appear when they respond to a call wearing full PPE. Mitigation is important - be smart, but hopefully we can avoid becoming afraid of each other in an unhealthy way.

Social Distancing
Physical Distancing
Healthy Separation

Wear a mask
Wash your hands
Stay at home
Grocery shop only when necessary
Ask for help when you need it





"Today was a Difficult Day," said Pooh.
There was a pause.
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Piglet.
"No," said Pooh after a bit. "No, I don't think I do."
"That's okay," said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.
"What are you doing?" asked Pooh.

"Nothing, really," said Piglet. "Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don't feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either.
"But goodness," continued Piglet, "Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you've got someone there for you. And I'll always be here for you, Pooh."
And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs...he thought that his best friend had never been more right."

A.A. Milne

Sending thoughts to those having a Difficult Day today and hope you have your own Piglet to sit beside you 🧡



PROUD OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!


The Lee Company Partners with GM and Ventec in Their Efforts to Mass Produce Critically Needed Ventilators to Fight COVID-19

Whelen New Hampshire to produce 3D face masks in effort to equip health care workers

CHAPCO in production and donating metal nose bridge pieces that make homemade masks more effective, for those making and donating masks to those who need them.



DECD's COVID-19 
BUSINESS EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNIT 

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has created a COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit dedicated to assisting businesses navigate resources and develop new resources. A dedicated phone line is available at  860-500-2333  to provide assistance to Connecticut's small businesses for this purpose. 





THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS'S GUIDE TO THE 
CARES ACT 



The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers. Read the guide  here .

The (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency.





STATE OF CONNECTICUT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS







Fun Stuff:




The Chester Town Hall, although closed to the public, remains open Monday - Thursday, 9-12 and 1-4 and Friday from 9-12 for the time being. We are not working on Tuesday evenings at this time. Please call 860-526-0013 for an appointment.



Be well,

Lauren