Senator Saud Anwar Update June 6th 2020

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

State To Reimburse Towns, Cities For COVID-19 Related Expenses
With the establishment of the new Connecticut Municipal Coronavirus Relief Fund Program, the state will reimburse municipal governments using the federally supported Coronavirus Relief Fund to offset expenses related to COVID-19. In April, all 169 municipalities in Connecticut were asked to provide the state with information on actual and projected expenses from March 1 through June 30 in combatting the public health crisis; to date, municipalities reported just under $40 million in direct costs. As the funding will be supplied through the CARES Act, the money can only be used on direct pandemic-related expenses; the state is setting aside $75 million for those direct expenses, with the state re-evaluating that allocation for further reimbursements.

Every municipality in Connecticut will receive a letter outlining the reimbursement process; the agency has also launched an informational website for municipalities with applications to be made available in coming days. The state is also using its CARES Act funding to cover large costs associated with testing, purchase of personal protective equipment, assistance to nursing homes and increased state agency needs.

Phase 2 of Connecticut’s Reopening Efforts Moving to June 17

Phase 2 of reopening the state is moving up a few days earlier to June 17. Governor Lamont decided having the state continue their efforts to return to normalcy shouldn’t happen during a busy father’s day weekend. Public health professionals are continuing to monitor test results related to reopening.

In Phase 2 of reopening Connecticut following the coronavirus crisis, businesses may reopen if the state meets certain criteria, including: declining transmission– fewer than 100-bed net increase in hospitalizations in the last week of Phase 1; testing and contact tracing-100,000 tests per week and 50% completed contact tracing within 48 hours; business and social safeguards-rules and regulations disseminated two weeks prior to Phase 2; protection for the vulnerable– testing plan to keep workers and priority high-risk communities implemented; and healthcare capacity-fewer than 20% of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients amongst total peak virus bed capacity. If all criteria is met, the following businesses would be allowed to reopen in Phase 2.

·      Gyms, fitness and sports clubs
·      All personal services
·      Outdoor arts, entertainment and events (up to 50 people)
·      Movie theaters
·      Bowling alleys
·      Social clubs and pools
·      All museums, zoos and aquariums
·      Indoor dining (no bars)

Phase 3 of reopening Connecticut would come about 4 weeks later around July 20.

Hartford HealthCare Hospitals to Allow Visitors Again
Hartford HealthCare hospitals are opening their doors to visitors again after the COVID-19 pandemic led to restrictions. Hospitals will be allowing visitors and begin bringing people back in starting the week of June 8. Hartford HealthCare was one of the first hospital systems to restrict visitors to keep patients and staff safe from COVID-19. Visitors will only be allowed in through select entrances for a screening process and will have their temperature taken. They will be required to wear a mask, use hand hygiene and practice social distancing. For details on the new visitation regulations, click here.

In-Person Graduation Ceremonies To Be Allowed Starting July 6
The state announced that school districts will be allowed to hold in-person graduation ceremonies beginning July 6 following certain guidelines. These ceremonies must be held outdoors, limited to a maximum of 150 people in attendance, and with proper social distancing protocols followed. If a school decides against in-person ceremonies, requirements in place related to drive-in graduation ceremonies will continue to apply, meaning cars must keep windows closed unless parked at least six feet apart. Individuals in cars will be required to wear masks as well. More information regarding this change will be released in the near future.

In-Person Summer Schools Can Begin July 6
The Department of Education released guidance to school superintendents regarding in-person summer school programs. They can now begin on July 6 provided their locations comply with health requirements and safety plans are reviewed if applicable. Rules regarding summer schools can be read here; guidance on safely returning to classroom learning can be read here.

$224 Million In Federal Funding For Rail, Bus Operations
Connecticut has received $224.3 million in federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration to help cover expenses for rail and bus operations in the state. The funds can be used toward operating expenses including driver salaries, fuel, personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. $150 million will be earmarked for the New Haven, New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury Rail Lines; $6 million will go to Shore Line East; $50 million will go to CTtransit, CTtransit Express and CTfastrak services; and $10.1 million will go to rural transit services within the state, with an additional $27.4 million earmarked for bus transit districts. The state will apply for additional funding of up to $244 million later this year.

AAA Reopens Licensing at Eight Locations
AAA has reopened eight retail stores to provide DMV licensing services, though customers are required to make appointments in advance. All license deadlines expiring between March 10 and June 30 of this year have automatically been extended for six months, removing urgency, but anyone wishing to do so now has the option to get this done at AAA retail stores. Reopened stores are located in Avon, Cromwell, Enfield, Manchester, Old Saybrook, Southington, Waterford and West Hartford.

860-240-0347 or Toll-free 1-800-842-1420
www.senatedems.ct.gov/Anwar