When Will Connecticut Reopen Safely?

Connecticut is making great strides in reopening the state for residents and visitors, and everyone has an important role to play in helping us stay on the right track. The virus, first detected in Wuhan, China, is known as coronavirus (COVID-19), which means it is a strain of the virus that has not been seen before in humans. This virus presents as an upper respiratory disease with symptoms similar to the common flu and is spread from person to person. The virus can cause death, but cases have ranged from mild symptoms to serious illnesses, including pneumonia, based on a variety of factors that are not yet fully understood.

If you have had close contact with someone who has the virus, what should you do? Where can you find a vaccination center in Connecticut? How many cases of coronavirus are there in Connecticut? Transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets that occur when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can fall into the mouth or nose of people who are nearby or be inhaled into the lungs. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to this virus, using the same protections you would use for seasonal flu and many other respiratory infections. The Connecticut Departments of Consumer Protection (DCP), Public Health (DPH) and Attorney General William Tong's Office have warned consumers that scammers are trying to take advantage of people during this heightened attention to coronavirus.

Fraudsters may post, email or send text messages to promote false information about “cases of the disease in your neighborhood that don't exist” and fake prevention drugs to get your personal information and money. They may also ask you to donate to victims through a fake charity or offer “advice” about false treatments for the disease. Substance use disorder programs provide the basis for agencies that evaluate people in need of substance use services and target the number of subsidized beds that may be available in the community. Some programs may also offer medical detoxification services for those who need them.

On March 19th, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7BB which established four groups of individuals eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. These groups include more than 1.3 million Connecticut residents; the state expects to receive approximately 46,000 doses of the vaccine per week from the federal government. On July 28th, Governor Lamont and the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that youth sports teams traveling to states on Connecticut's travel recommendation list must cancel practices and competitions within 14 days of their return to Connecticut.

We have real solutions to improve the lives of children in Connecticut, and this critical legislation would have a transformative impact. The University of Connecticut is based on guidance from the Connecticut state government, guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other experts in public health and infectious diseases. On July 30th, Governor Lamont announced that the Connecticut Department of Housing and Housing Finance Authority launched a new website to support housing assistance. On June 5th, Governor Lamont announced that Phase 2 of Connecticut's reopening efforts will be brought forward a few days to Wednesday, June 17th to prevent it from going into effect during the busy Father's Day weekend. On May 7th, the Connecticut Department of Labor announced that it had activated its filing site so that those who are self-employed can complete the necessary filing applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). It will ensure that Connecticut schools have the resources they need to safely return to in-person learning and give people the opportunity to return to work.

On June 24th, Governor Lamont announced quarantine guidance for all travelers arriving or returning to Connecticut from multiple states. The University of Connecticut is committed to returning safely and in accordance with all government regulations. On June 7th, Governor Lamont announced that his administration had released documents detailing specific rules that eligible businesses entering Phase 2 of Connecticut's reopening plans must follow amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On July 17th, Governor Lamont issued a proclamation calling for the Connecticut General Assembly to meet in special session beginning Tuesday, July 21st, to discuss legislation regarding upcoming elections, transparency in law enforcement, easing restrictions on telehealth services and affordable access to medical resources. On March 31st, Governor Lamont announced an agreement with more than 50 credit unions and banks in Connecticut to provide mortgage relief to residents and businesses in the state. The Connecticut Department of Public Health will issue information on grant funding and applications to interested local health departments. With Connecticut's meeting and hospitality industries now fully open, the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTMeetings), Connecticut's statewide destination marketing organization, is working together with state departments and local municipalities, the Connecticut Accommodation Association and the Connecticut Restaurant Association to ensure compliance with current health and safety guidelines within the hospitality industry.