Connecticut Lodging Association
Coronavirus Update 2/24/2021
Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Will Continue Age-Based Approach To COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility; Educators and Childcare Providers To Have Dedicated Clinics in March
To provide clarity and predictability, the governor today announced a schedule for age-based eligibility for the next several months. By laying out a clear timeline for eligibility for the vaccine, the strategy allows everyone in the state, including essential workers and those with chronic conditions, to know when they will be able to schedule an appointment. The planned schedule is as follows:

  • March 1, 2021: Expands to age group 55 to 64
  • March 22, 2021: Expands to age group 45 to 54
  • April 12, 2021: Expands to age group 35 to 44
  • May 3, 2021: Expands to age group 16 to 34

To further ensure equitable allocation of the vaccine, Governor Lamont also announced that he is directing the Connecticut Department of Public Health to set numerical targets and work with vaccine providers to ensure that vaccines are administered to people living in the highest-risk communities in proportion to their population. These targets and the associated strategies will be announced in the coming days.
Coronavirus (COVID19) in Connecticut
Connecticut Update: as of February 23, 2020 4:00 p.m. portal.ct.gov/coronavirus
Overall Summary Total**; Change Since Yesterday
COVID-19 Cases 276,691; +1,357
COVID-19 Tests Reported; 6,544,400; +34,656
Daily Test Positivity; 3.92%
Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19; 511; +11
COVID-19-Associated Deaths; 7,572; +10
**Includes confirmed plus probable cases
U.S. - COVID19: What is the current situation?
Cases & Latest Updates 2/23/21 Cases in U.S.
Total cases: 27,993,504 +55,419
Total deaths: 498,993 +1,578
Global
World Health Organization Situation Report who.int
111 593 583; cases; +277,304
2 475 020; deaths; +7,414
Connecticut News

Teachers, School Staff and Child Care Providers to Be Eligible for Vaccine in March

Stopping the Spread: Should We Be Double Masking? nbcconnecticut.com
National News

Experts worry variant-fueled surge of Covid-19 could be weeks away but cases will likely fall again by summer cnn.com

US crosses new COVID-19 milestone: Half a million Americans dead abcnews.go.com
Hotel News
Deloitte: Consumer Perception of Travel Safety Improves as Vaccines Roll Out, COVID Cases Decline hotel-online.com

CDC Recommends Hotel Workers Receive Early COVID-19 Vaccine Shots travelpulse.com

How to Attract Families to Your Hotel?

The Hospitality Sector Needs Cash, Clarity and Confidence or Chaos Will Ensue
Timely PPP Updates for Small Businesses
The Biden Administration announced a series of changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in an effort to further widen access for very small businesses to obtain PPP loans. 
 
One critical temporary change is that, during a two-week period beginning tomorrow February 24th, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will only review or accept applications from businesses with fewer than 20 employees. Following that period’s end, all qualifying businesses may resume applying.
 
If you are considering applying for a PPP loan and do not meet that employee criteria, you are urged to submit an application as soon as possible today.
 
Thus far, the PPP has utilized just under half of its appropriated funds and so it is likely that loan availability will remain for some time until the program's end on March 31st. This program has been an immense help to the hotel industry and PPP Second Draws provide for an increased loan amount cap for hotel businesses. 
 
We encourage all qualifying members to explore utilizing this program prior to its expiration.
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