COVID-19 Helpful Resources and Information
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Dear Neighbor,
A lot of information has been thrown at you over the last week and we
know at times it can be a bit overwhelming. To alleviate some of the
stress of wondering where to find it all, our team has compiled some
helpful information on a variety of topics below. If we have missed
something, though, please reach out and we will do our best to find
you a response.
In response to COVID-19, below you will find:
* Governor Lamont’s Update
* Resources from the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity
and Opportunity
* What to do if you’re sick
* Recommendations to Minimize Exposure
* Blood donations
* Volunteering opportunities
* Food Information
* Education Resources
* Family resources
* Tax Filing Extension
* Resources for Workers
* Resources for Employers
* Resources for Consumers
* Access Health CT Special Enrollment
* Public Transportation
* Information for Pet Owners
* Primary Elections Update
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay Informed.
Sincerely,
Gary Turco
State Representative
——————————
Governor Lamont’s Update
——————————
https://portal.ct.gov/Office-o
Sunday, Governor Lamont and state Department of Economic and Community
Development Commissioner David Lehman released guidance for businesses
and nonprofits on the “Stay Safe, Stay Home
(https://portal.ct.gov/Coronav
p.m.
Non-essential retailers may be staffed on-site provided they only
offer remote ordering and curb side pick-up or delivery. It also
allows non-essential businesses to employ staff for security,
maintenance and receive mail.
Essential businesses, as defined by the federal Department of Homeland
Security (https://www.cisa.gov/critical
include, but are not limited to:
* Hospitals
* Dentists
* Elder Care
* Home Health Care Companies
* Pharmacies
* Grocery Stores
* Gas Stations
* Banks and Credit Unions
* Liquor/Package Stores
* Trash/Recycling Collection
* Mail/Shipping Services
* Legal and Accounting Services
* Pest and Landscaping Services
* Child Care
The order will take effect no later than today at 8 p.m. Click here to
read the full list of essential businesses
(https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Co
.
If your business has not been deemed “essential,” you can apply for an
exemption here
(https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Co
.
Lamont also signed his 11th executive order
(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media
following:
* Clarifies essential vs non-essential businesses and permits
non-essential retailers to take orders remotely and sell products for
curbside pickup and delivery
* Extends the time period for fire service personnel examinations
* Permits at-home doses of methadone to homebound drug-dependent patients
* Suspends rehiring procedures and restrictions on temporary worker
retirees to meet critical government staffing needs and permit
employees who participated in retirement incentive programs to work
during this emergency
* Suspends certain real property and state contracting statutes to
expedite obtaining locations for emergency operations
Read the full executive order here
(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media
.
You can read the Governor’s executive orders here
(https://portal.ct.gov/Coronav
.
For the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, visit
www.ct.gov/coronavirus (https://portal.ct.gov/Coronav
Subscribe to the Governor’s Email Updates
(https://portal.ct.gov/Office-
——————————
COVID-19 Resources
——————————
The Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and
Opportunity (https://wp.cga.ct.gov/cwcseo/
and a guide to useful resources for those affected during this time.
You can find the document here
(http://housedems.ct.gov/sites
below.
http://housedems.ct.gov/sites/
——————————
If You Become Sick
——————————
https://www.ynhhs.org/patient-
If you are sick, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
following:
* Stay home if you are mildly ill with COVID-19, and do not leave
EXCEPT to receive medical care
* Stay in touch with your doctor, and call before you get medical
care. If your symptoms become worse, or believe it is an emergency,
seek medical attention
* If you are sick, ensure you wear a facemask when you are around
other people and before you enter your healthcare provider’s office
* Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the used
tissue in a trash can
* Wash your hands for AT LEAST 20 seconds. Can’t wash your hands? Use
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
* Disinfect high-touch surfaces, bathroom, your or the sick person’s room
Emergency Warning Signs – Seek Medical Attention if:
* You have difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in your chest
* New confusion or inability to arouse
* Bluish lips or face
Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing these symptoms and notify the
operator that you have or may have COVID-19.
When to End Home Isolation if you will not be tested:
* You have had no fever for at least 3 full days without using fever
reducing medicine AND
* Other symptoms have improved AND
* At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
When to End Home Isolation if you will be tested:
* You no longer have a fever (without using fever reducing medicine) AND
* Other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved AND
* You receive 2 negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart.
If you choose to end home isolation, consult with your primary health
care provider. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.
Click here to find a Drive-Through Test Location.
(https://portal.ct.gov/Office-
Additional Resources on what to do if you’re sick and might have COVID-19:
* CDC Symptoms & Testing
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
* CDC Caring for Yourself at Home
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
* CDC Caring for Someone at Home
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
* CDC Frequently Asked Questions
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
——————————
Minimizing Exposure
——————————
As of Sunday, 327 Connecticut residents
(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media
coronavirus.
To ensure our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed, we must
take appropriate precautions, like practicing social distancing, to
limit the spread of the virus.
The best way to avoid coronavirus and other illness is to avoid exposure.
* Practice social distancing
* Work from home if possible
* Avoid large gatherings and crowded public spaces
* Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
* If unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
* Stay home when you are sick
* If you are over 60 years of age
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
possible
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a
regular household cleaning spray or wipe
If you begin experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call your
healthcare provider. There are 15 drive-through test sites for people
with a doctor’s referral to be tested for COVID-19. Click here to read
more
(https://portal.ct.gov/Office-
.
——————————
Consider Donating Blood
——————————
The Red Cross is seeking blood donors as Connecticut experiences a
blood shortage (https://www.redcross.org/give
drives nationwide have been cancelled, but hospitals across our state
and country still need blood. To allow for social distancing, donors
can call the Red Cross to make an appointment. Interested individuals
can make an appointment using the Red Cross web site, here
(https://officeofthegovernor.c
or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Download it here
(https://officeofthegovernor.c
They can also call 1-800-Red-Cross.
——————————
Volunteer In Your Community
——————————
Do you have a background in medical care? You can contact your local
health department. Locate your local health department here
(https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Loc
.
If you are a nurse, you can register to volunteer through the
Connecticut Nurses Association web site: www.CTNurses.org/coronavirus
(http://www.ctnurses.org/coron
There is also a need for personal protective equipment for medical
workers at hospitals and long-term care facilities. This includes:
* N95 Respirators
* Face Masks/Surgical Masks
* Face Shields
* Surgical GownsGloves (nitrile, or non-latex)
* Thermometers
* Thermometer Covers (if applicable to type of thermometer)
* Hand Sanitizer
* Other Medical Items
The public, businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations may donate
these items through the Connecticut United Way/211. Click here
(https://na0.icarol.com/pub/Su
donate.
——————————
Food Resources
——————————
https://www.npsct.org/UserFile
Newington Public Schools is serving breakfast and lunch to NPS
students Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the below
locations:
* Newington High School – Gymnasium entrance
* John Wallace – Front entrance near cafeteria door
* Elizabeth Green – Front entrance
NPS will also offer a bus meal service. Click here to see the
schedule,
(https://www.npsct.org/news/wh
.
The Newington Food Bank is open to those who need food. Call the Food
Bank at 860-665-8590 on Tuesday or Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to
make an appointment.
Appointments will be given for Tuesday afternoons from 12 p.m. to 3
p.m. or Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Click here for more
information (https://www.newingtonct.gov/C
The Food Bank is also in need of the following:
* Canned pasta
* Canned fruit
* Baked beans
* Spaghetti sauce
* Juice
* Coffee/tea
* Boxed dessert mix: cake, frosting, brownies, quick breads
* Rice-a-Roni type boxes
* Canned carrots
* Canned chicken
* Jelly
* Condiments
You can bring your donations to the Newington Town Hall Back
Government Center Entrance where there will be a shopping cart for you
to place your donation. Call the Food Bank at 860-665-8590 to notify
food bank staff of your donation. For more information about donating,
click here (https://www.newingtonct.gov/C
——————————
Education Resources
——————————
Internet/Wi-Fi:
* Folks who need wi-fi to help their kids stay online, AT&T, Verizon
are waiving fees, promising not to terminate services.
* Charter Communications will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi
access for 60 days for households with K-12 and/or college students
who do not already have a Spectrum subscription. To enroll, call
1-844-488-8395. More information is available here
(https://corporate.charter.com
.
* Comcast recently announced
(https://www.wxyz.com/news/nat
up.
* PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IF YOU DO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE FREE
SERVICES, THAT YOU SET A REMINDER FOR WHEN THE OFFER EXPIRES TO
DETERMINE WHETHER YOU WILL KEEP THE SERVICES OR NOT. IF YOU DO
NOTHING, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ENROLLED IN THEIR SERVICES AND WILL
BE BILLED ACCORDINGLY
Fun stuff for kids:
* The Cincinnati Zoo will hold a “Home Safari Facebook Live
(http://bit.ly/3pmAnimalActivi
* Scholastic has made their resources (http://bit.ly/LearnAt_Home)
available for free
* The Spanish Experiment
(https://www.thespanishexperim
in Spanish
* Art are classes online (http://bit.ly/Online_Art)
* Virtual Field (http://bit.ly/Virtual_Field_T
Parks, farms and even outer space
* 150+ educational shows to stream (http://bit.ly/150Edshows)
* PBS.org helps parents (http://bit.ly/DanielTigerWash
answer questions about what is going on
Additional Resources:
* Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology: Guidance for
educators on how to implement remote learning
(https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTE
* Connecticut Department of Education: Superintendent update
(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media
* Connecticut Department of Education: Superintendent follow-up
communication
(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media
* Connecticut Department of Education: Operation of Child Nutrition
Programs During COVID-19 Outbreaks
(https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Nut
* Connecticut Department of Education: Guidance to Connecticut School
Districts
(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media
* U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, Teachers During
Infectious Disease Outbreaks
(https://store.samhsa.gov/syst
* Preparing for the Coronavirus at Childcare and K-12 Schools
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
* Preparing for the Coronavirus at Colleges and Universities
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
——————————
Resources for Families
——————————
https://www.ct.gov/oec/lib/oec
The CT Office of Early Childhood has a number of resources for parents
with children. Click here for updates.
(https://www.ct.gov/oec/site/d
Additional resources:
* Connecticut Department of Children and Families COVID-19 Information
(https://portal.ct.gov/DCF/1-D
* CDC Resources for Home
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
* CT Children’s Medical Center What Parents Should Know About
Coronavirus
(https://www.connecticutchildr
* CT Children’s Medical Center Coronavirus FAQs
(https://www.connecticutchildr
——————————
Personal Income Tax Filing
——————————
The deadline for filing state and federal personal income tax returns
has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. You can file anytime
before July 15 – and are encouraged to do so if you are owed a refund.
For more information, visit the state Department of Revenue Services
(https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/New
.
——————————
Resources for Workers
——————————
* CT DOL Filing for Unemployment Benefits
(http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
* U.S. Department of Labor Guidance for Family Medical Leave Act
(https://www.dol.gov/agencies/
* Connecticut Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program
(http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
* CT DOL Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus (COVID-19) for
Workers and Employers (http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
——————————
Resources for Employers
——————————
The state Department of Revenue Services has extended the deadline for
the below businesses tax returns:
* 2019 Form CT-1065/CT-1120 SI Connecticut Pass-Though Entity Tax
Return: Filing date extended to April 15, 2020; payment deadline
extended to June 15, 2020
* 2019 Form CT-990T Connecticut Unrelated Business Income Tax Return:
Filing date extended to June 15, 2020; payment deadline extended to
June 15, 2020
The Connecticut DRS also advised that due dates for filing and
payment of state income taxes could be adjusted to align with any
specific, actionable announcement from the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) regarding due dates for the filing and payment of federal income
taxes.
Call DRS at 860-297-5962 if you have questions, or email
(https://housedems.us4.list-ma
department.
Additional Resources:
* CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers Impacted by Coronavirus
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
* SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers Impacted by Coronavirus
(https://www.sba.gov/page/guid
* SBA Low-Interest Loans to Help Small Businesses Affected by
Disasters
(https://disasterloan.sba.gov/
+ (Note: the SBA is currently finalizing disaster declarations related
to Coronavirus. Once these are released, small businesses can apply.
Check the website daily to see if/when CT will be eligible and/or call
the CT SBA Office at 860-240-4700)
* DECD Guidance for Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus
(https://portal.ct.gov/Coronav
* The CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
resource page
(https://portal.ct.gov/Coronav
businesses impacted by coronavirus. (DECD has also deferred loan
payments for all Small Business Express loans for three months).
* DECD COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Line: 860-500-2333
* CT’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
(https://ctsbdc.com/covid19-bu
small businesses impacted by coronavirus.
* CT’s Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)
(https://ctwbdc.org/) virtual classes and counseling for small
businesses impacted by COVID-19.
* SCORE
(https://www.score.org/content
webinars and free mentoring for small businesses impacted by
coronavirus.
* DECD and AdvanceCT survey
(https://www.research.net/r/CO
businesses on the impact of the coronavirus. The results will help the
state better respond to businesses struggling during this difficult
time.
——————————
Resources for Consumers
——————————
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has put together some tools to
help you detect scam emails, calls and texts
(https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/
.
If someone is claiming they have a cure or vaccine for COVID-19, they
are lying to you. You should stick with the experts at the CT
Department of Public Health (https://portal.ct.gov/Coronav
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
scams.
More information and resources about targeted scams:
* Department of Consumer Protection: Scam Alert: Coronavirus Inspires
Scam Artists to Target Consumers
(https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/New
* Connecticut Attorney General – File a Complaint
(https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/com
* Department of Consumer Protection – Complaint Forms and Procedures
(https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Com
860-713-6300
* Federal Trade Commission (https://www.ftccomplaintassis
* WFSB: Stores Announce Changes in Hours During Coronavirus Outbreak
(https://www.wfsb.com/news/sto
* Connecticut Insurance Department Issues Notice to Travel Insurers
Due to State Emergency Declaration
(https://portal.ct.gov/CID/New
* Attorney General Tong: Handout on Price Gouging Laws in Connecticut
(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media
]
* Connecticut Insurance Department Provides Tips on Travel Insurance
Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
(https://portal.ct.gov/CID/New
——————————
Access Health CT Special Enrollment
——————————
The Access Health CT
(https://www.accesshealthct.co
Enrollment Period will be open to uninsured Connecticut residents
until April 2.
Coverage will begin April 1, 2020. Enrollment is by PHONE ONLY, Monday
through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To enroll, call 855-805-4325
(TTY: 1-855-365-2428).
——————————
Public Transportation
——————————
The state Department of Transportation has modified several operations
in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Due to a decrease in ridership, the Hartford Line and Shore Line East
train schedules have been reduced, using weekend schedules on
weekdays, and holiday schedules on the weekends.
Metro-North New Haven lines are operating as normal.
If you plan to use rail transportation, check www.hartfordline.com
(http://www.hartfordline.com/) , www.shorelineeast.com
(http://www.shorelineeast.com/
CTtransit bus service has also been impacted, but is operating on
normal weekday and weekend schedules. Check www.cttransit.com
(http://www.cttransit.com/) for updates.
Read more information here
(https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/New
.
——————————
Resources for Pet Owners, Shelters & Veterinarians
——————————
For Pet Owners:
* The Humane Society of the United States Coronavirus FAQs for Pet
Owners
(https://www.humanesociety.org
* American Veterinary Medical Association COVID-19: FAQs for Pet
Owners
(https://www.avma.org/sites/de
* CDC Animals and Coronavirus Disease
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir
For Shelters and Rescues:
* The Humane Society of the United States Coronavirus Shelter Toolkit
(https://www.animalsheltering.
For Veterinarians:
* AVMA What Veterinarians Need to Know
(https://www.avma.org/resource
* AVMA COVID-19: FAQs for Veterinarians and Veterinary Clinics
(https://www.avma.org/sites/de
——————————
Election Update
——————————
==============================
** Website (http://www.housedems.ct.gov/T
** Website (http://www.housedems.ct.gov/T
** Email (mailto:Gary.Turco@cga.ct.gov)
** Email (mailto:Gary.Turco@cga.ct.gov)
** Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stat
** Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stat
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