TODAY’S UPDATE (4/8): Since yesterday’s update, an additional 1,000 Connecticut residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 8,781, including now 8 total cases in East Windsor (+4 from yesterday). Ellington remains at 10 confirmed cases, but there are now 3 COVID-19 associated deaths of Ellington residents according to today’s state DPH data.
To date, more than 31,700 tests have been conducted in Connecticut among both state and private laboratories (+2,664 since yesterday). Approximately 1,418 patients are currently hospitalized (+110 since yesterday). The statewide total number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is 335 (+58 since yesterday) since the outbreak began.
ALL FLAGS TO BE LOWERED TO HALF STAFF
Governor Lamont is directing flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff in recognition and mourning of all those who have lost their lives and been affected by COVID-19. This order is in effect until the end of the emergency.
UNEMPLOYMENT BACK LOG CONTINUES – CHECK YOUR EMAIL
The Connecticut Department of Labor has provided more than $35 million in benefits payments to nearly 104,000 claimants for the week ending April 4. The agency has now processed nearly 133,000 claims of the more than 302,000 the agency has received since March 13.
To speed up the processing of their claims, unemployed residents who have not yet filed should:
– Visit www.filectui.com
– Click first on the message above the large blue button that notes, “For quicker payment of unemployment benefits, please follow these instructions.” The link will bring claimants to a guide that should be read before filing for benefits.
For residents who have already filed a claim, Commissioner Westby reminds residents that it is very important they check their email (including junk and spam folders) daily for updated messages from the Labor Department.
The agency hopes to be able to provide the federal benefits, including the weekly $600 in additional payments and benefits to self-employed individuals and independent contractors, in the next several weeks. Updates on the status of these programs will also be posted to the agency’s website, www.ctdol.state.ct.us. Federal benefits will be retroactive to the date they were signed into law according to the Labor Department.
For more information on unemployment benefits, please visit the FAQ updated daily at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF
MEDICAL SURGE PLAN IN PLACE WITH STATE’S LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
Governor Lamont today announced a partnership with Connecticut’s long-term care facilities to collaborate on a medical surge plan that includes the establishment of COVID-19 recovery centers in nursing homes to accept patients who can be discharged from acute care hospitals, but are still impacted by COVID19 infection. So far, at least four such recovery centers will be opened in Torrington, Bridgeport, Meriden, and Sharon that will make available more than 500 new beds for COVID-19 patients.
For more information, please visit ct.gov/coronavirus
As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me at christopher.davis@housegop.ct.gov or repdavis.com.
