As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2020:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. Regardless, hospitalizations Cases are still up, as are deaths overall. From Governor Lamont:

“For the second straight day, the number of people hospitalized in Connecticut due to complications caused by COVID-19 has slightly decreased, another step in the right direction and another sign that the efforts we’ve been taking as a community are having an impact on slowing the outbreak,” Governor Lamont said. “Whether this continues is dependent upon on the actions each of us takes over the next several days and weeks. This isn’t over – we lost another 41 Connecticut residents, and we mourn for their lives. Together, we can have an impact on flattening the curve, but if people tell you the pandemic has ended – they are wrong.”

Overall Summary Statewide

Lab-Confirmed COVID-19 Cases 17,962
Change Since Yesterday +412
COVID-19-Associated Deaths 1,127
Change since yesterday. +41

Patients Currently Hospitalized 1,901
Change Since Yesterday -37

Patients tested for COVID-19 59,759
Change since yesterday +1,546


Governor Lamont expands financial assistance for Connecticut’s nursing homes

Governor Lamont today  announced  that he is directing his administration to boost Medicaid payments for all of Connecticut’s 215 nursing homes by 15 percent, providing an additional $65 million to these facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Connecticut’s nursing home operators and their employees provide an incredible service to the people of our state, including for the 22,000 residents that receive direct care in nursing homes on a daily basis,” Governor Lamont said. “I want to extend my profound gratitude to them, particularly during this unprecedented global pandemic that is having a particularly adverse impact on the elderly and individuals with disabilities residing in long-term care settings.”
The state’s increased financial support will be applied toward:
·      Employee wages, including staff retention bonuses, overtime, and shift incentive payments;
·      New costs related to screening of visitors;
·      Personal protective equipment;
·      Cleaning and housekeeping supplies; and
·      Other costs related to COVID-19.
The expanded state aid is in addition to the enhanced federal support nursing homes are expected to receive through Medicare, as well as general relief under the recently adopted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Testing:
A new Rapid COVID-19 testing center is open in New Haven. No prescription is necessary to get tested, although testing is by appointment. Test results in 30 minutes - no cost to test.   Click Here for more information.

Unemployment Claims -  Click Here


LATEST COVID-19 FACTS


More interesting and fun stuff:




MEWS+ presents 
"Readying for Recovery: Resources for Middlesex County Businesses"

Tuesday, April 21, 2020
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join The MEWS+ Entrepreneurial Community as we host the leadership team from The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce  to learn about the many local, state, and federal resources developed to help small businesses navigate and recover from the health and economic crisis. President Larry McHugh, Vice President Johanna Bond, and Vice President Jeff Pugliese will share information on:
 
  • Chamber webinars with Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Joe Courtney, and SBDC Counselor Jim Jackson;
  • How the CARES Act provisions - PPP, EIDL, and Tax Credits - apply to small business owners and startups
  • The Chamber’s Coronavirus Tool Kit;
  • SHOUT IT OUT campaign;
  • Community partners and local resources; and
  • Recovery fund opportunities.

Register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 



MAIN STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
 STARTING WORK IN MAPLE & MAIN AREA,
MONDAY APRIL 20 th

The Main Street improvement project will follow a six-phase construction sequence.

The first phase begins Monday, April 20th includes these tasks:  

     Site preparation, survey layout and CBYD (Call before You Dig) mark out.

Construction work will then begin with new stormwater drainage installation at Main and Maple streets intersection near the flagpole.

The contractor will also fill the voids under the sidewalk on Main between The Villager to Strut Your Mutt. This work must be completed before the second phase can begin which includes removal of the old sidewalk, the installation of electrical conduit, granite curbing new sidewalk, and Belgium blocks.

TRAFFIC:  During first phase there will not be any major changes to traffic. Two-way traffic will remain, with an officer on both sides of the work zone to facilitate alternate traffic flow as needed during the work times.

PARKING: There will be some adjustment of parking spaces while the drainage is being worked on, but there should not be blockage of the sidewalk during this time.

WORK HOURS: Work hours will be 7:30-5 Monday through Friday, although the construction company may work on Saturdays while the retail shops are closed. We are hoping to be able to expedite the project in every way possible for the health of our businesses. The company is being given a list of the restaurants who are open for take out and delivery and will make all efforts not to interfere with any business going on.

Once the contractor is fully mobilized and crews are underway more information will be shared on traffic control, parking and contractor’s work schedule. More information to come soon!

Be well,

Lauren