Senator Anwar Update 5/13/2020

For a town-by-town breakdown and other COVID-19 statistics, please visit: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus

Reopen Connecticut To Hold Business Roundtable Tomorrow At 10 A.M.
Members of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group’s business committee will hold a roundtable discussion tomorrow, Thursday, May 14 at 10 a.m. regarding COVID-19’s impact on the state business community. Participants will include David Lehman, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner; Connecticut Business and Industry Association President and CEO Joe Brennan; Aventri Executive Chairman Oni Chukwu; Connecticut Restaurant Association Chairman Dan Meiser and Women’s Business Development Council President and CEO Fran Pastore.

Members of the public with questions for the panel can email them to reopen@ct.gov; the discussion will be broadcast live by the Connecticut Network, or CT-N, and will be available to watch on cable television and through a livestream on CT-N.com and the channel’s YouTube page.

Staying Safe At Work When You Return
With some Connecticut businesses reopening as soon as May 20, just a week from now, many people will be returning to the post-COVID workplace. This transition will look much different than going back to work after vacation or an illness; these tips will help you manage working safely and reducing stress.

Take Care Of Yourself
Above all else, managing your own health will help you avoid becoming ill in the workplace. Continue to eat healthily and make sure to get enough sleep. Reducing stress may be difficult, but stress levels can impact health as well. If you have any questions about your workplace policies, feel free to ask; your employer and team leaders can provide plenty of information about new processes. The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be.

Follow New Work Guidelines
Social distancing, face masks, regular disinfecting and daily temperature checks may all be used at your employer, and understandably, that will be much different than people are often used to. While they may seem strange, following guidelines like these will go a long way in protecting you and your colleagues.

Be Vigilant
Returning to work will represent the second stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, a stage where restrictions begin to loosen. However, pretending everything is fine could backfire. Remember to stay vigilant, within reason, and keep your defenses up. Remember to wash your hands, clean surfaces, wear masks and avoid shaking hands and close interactions with others when possible.

Federal Approval of Increased SNAP Assistance
New information has been released about federal approval of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to Connecticut children eligible for free and reduced-price meals. This new $95.5 million authorization boosts the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer program in Connecticut by $26.2 million over original totals, set before in-person classes were canceled for the rest of the school year.

The Pandemic EBT program will bring food benefits to roughly 270,000 children statewide who are not able to receive meals at school, with families in all 181 school districts across Connecticut who are participating in SNAP eligible to participate.

The Department of Social Services expects to issue $46.3 million in additional food benefits to about 70,00 SNAP-eligible households and another $52.2 million to about 80,800 households not currently enrolled in SNAP. Pandemic EBT SNAP benefits will be deposited in about 70,000 households on or about Sunday, May 24; DSS will mail EBT debit cards to about 80,000 households not currently enrolled in SNAP and will deposit Pandemic EBT SNAP benefits into new accounts at dates to be announced in June.

These benefits will be used at any location accepting SNAP/EBT cards including farmers’ markets and direct market farms where authorized. They can also utilize online programs including delivery or curbside pickup when implemented in the overall SNAP program. Families do not need to apply for benefits as children are automatically eligible for a planned one-time benefit of $364.80 per child enrolled.

Boosting Your Mask’s Protective Benefits
With rules in place for us to wear masks in public to slow the spread of COVID-19, you’re probably looking for ways to make your mask more effective. According to National Public Radio, here are several ways to strengthen the filtering ability of a face mask:

• Pick a thick fabric. The more fibers in the fabric, the fewer particles getting in or out. Experts say to hold a fabric up to a light source. The less light that is visible, the better the fabric; though some fabrics may be too thick and could impair breathing.
• Use layers! Even fabric that does not filter well does a better job when it is layered together. If you can fold cloth, a bandana or any other fabric you’re using as a mask into multiple layers, you will better protect yourself.
• Make sure it fits snugly. Adding an outer layer to a mask, like using a nylon seal, making it tighter, can improve the filtering quality by as much as 50 percent.
• Continue social distancing and practicing good hygiene! Masks are just one part of protecting yourself from COVID-19; using them in conjunction with other tools can vastly improve effectiveness.

New Executive Order to Expedite Approval Processes to Expand Outdoor Dining Areas At Restaurants
A new executive order has been signed to help expedite the various approval processes so that restaurants can expand their outdoor dining areas. Governor Ned Lamont has issued Expedited Municipal Zoning Amendments. If a change is needed for a restaurant in Connecticut to open their outdoor seating on May 20^th, the zoning administrator or elected official can make that change without being required to adhere to certain requirements. Municipalities will be able to expedite changes to their zoning rules or other ordinances to expand outdoor dining.

There will be a Suspension and Modification of Certain Permits and Approval processes for Outdoor Activities. In order to prevent potential transmission of COVID-19 while out at restaurants, these establishments will have to enforce social distancing and comply with previous executive orders which means certain laws will be suspended and modified. Other businesses such as retail stores will be able to have permission to sell goods on the sidewalk or in other outdoor areas. The laws that are suspended and modified as of now can be found here.

The Governor is giving municipalities 10 days to notify restaurants of decisions on their applications.

Beware of Scams during the Coronavirus Outbreak: What to Watch Out for
During the coronavirus pandemic, scammers are taking advantage of those most vulnerable and preying on people who are stressed. Eversource has released some crucial things to be on the lookout for in order to avoid scams.

1. Watch out for calls, emails and texts about government stimulus checks. The IRS won’t contact you with information about a stimulus check or ask you for your Social Security number or bank account number.
2. Watch out for online ads for vaccinations, test kits, masks or other protective equipment. There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time and the only FDA-approved home test kit requires a doctor’s order.
3. Watch out for threats of immediate power disconnection or demands of payment. If anyone calls or emails you about an outstanding payment and threatens to disconnect your power, Eversource says it’s not them and to hang up.
4. Watch out for Requests for a deposit to exchange your utility meter.

For more scams you should be aware of, Eversource has ways to protect yourself from scammers on their website.

Maintaining social distancing at Connecticut Beaches
This weekend is expected to be very nice and there are guidelines and recommendations from the State for Connecticut beaches. In order to maintain proper social distancing during the continued coronavirus pandemic, only a certain number of cars are allowed at each beach. Governor Lamont says by Memorial Day, out of state cars will be charged a differential fee when coming to a Connecticut beach.

Connecticut Casinos Staying Closed for now
Connecticut’s two casinos have extended their shutdowns. Mohegan Sun will remain closed to the public with no opening date determined at this time. The Casino says they are continuing to work with local and regional health experts to determine a safe re-opening date to ensure the health and safety of their employees and guests. Foxwoods Resort Casino has not released a date for re-opening. They have been closed since March 17th.

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www.senatedems.ct.gov/Anwar