| Governor Lamont’s Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 As we all know, the situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid and changes almost by the hour. With the drastic changes to our everyday lives that continue to occur, there are undoubtedly many questions members of the public are seeking answers to. Governor Lamont’s office has compiled a detailed 30-page document, available here, that covers a significant number of matters related to COVID-19. It provides information regarding the following topics:COVID-19, its symptoms and what to do if you believe you have the virus;how to obtain prescription medications during this timeprotection guidelines for hospitals, medical settings and homesschool closures and ripple effects of that action including standardized testing, graduations and student mealsbusiness closuresvisitation guidelines for medical locationschildcarepublic meetingsthe Department of Motor Vehicleslicense certification deadlinestravel guidelinesunemployment guidelinespaid sick leavetemporary family assistancehealth insurancecourt closuressmall business assistanceConnecticut Presidential Primary Postponed Though it was scheduled to be held on Tuesday, April 28, state leaders determined the presidential primary represents too great a risk to public health at this time. The presidential primary will now be held on June 2. Nail Salons, Barber Shops, Hair Salons To Close Governor Ned Lamont announced today that he has released an executive order requiring nail salons, barber shops and hair salons to close. These businesses require employees to work with clients directly, making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to practice proper social distancing. Earlier this week, the state Department of Public Health recommended to health and beauty business owners that they should shut down to protect client, customer and employee health. It is not yet known when these businesses will be required to close. What We Know About The Outbreak So Far The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reported Wednesday on COVID-19 cases tracked in the United States through March 16. These findings indicate fatality rates are highest in persons age 85 and older, with those rates ranging from 10 to 27 percent. Fatality rates decline as patient ages decline. Currently, 3 to 11 percent of patients ages 65-84 experience fatalities; 1 to 3 percent of patients ages 55-64 experienced fatalities; and less than 1 percent of patients ages 20-54 experienced fatalities. No fatalities have been reported for people younger than 19 at this time. As of March 16, the CDC confirmed 4,226 COVID-19 infections, though with limited testing ability, that number is likely much larger. Many hospitals report limited tests and as such are only testing individuals needing hospital care. As of March 16, 31 percent of cases, 45 percent of hospitalizations, 53 percent of Intensive Care admissions and 80 percent of deaths associated with COVID-19 were among adults 65 and older. The highest percentage of severe outcomes is currently in persons 85 and older. No ICU admissions or deaths were reported among individuals under 20 through March 16. The CDC believes these statistics reconfirm suspicions that COVID-19 impacts older age groups the most. Housing Updates The Connecticut Fair Housing Center is producing daily reports of ongoing issues related to COVID-19. You can join its mailing list here and access its website here. Recent housing updates include the following: -The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has directed lenders and servicers with FHA-backed mortgages to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days. This ordinance applies to homeowners or former homeowners. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also announced suspension of foreclosure sales and evictions for 60 days. However, these evictions do not protect residential tenants. -There have not yet been announcements of moratoriums on eviction and foreclosure action filings, requests for motions against those facing eviction or foreclosure or late fees on payments. CFHC will continue issuing reports as this situation develops. Best Practices Handbook for COVID-19 Medical professionals in China who dealt with the initial outbreak of COVID-19 have released a handbook of information intended to assist medical professionals around the world dealing with the disease. Written by doctors and nurses on the front line of the pandemic, this 28-chapter handbook is intended to be a comprehensive guide to hospitals and medical professionals to fight the virus, and will additionally provide new insights on COVID-19 for the general public. The Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation have published and distributed the book. A PDF downloadable copy is available at this link. |
| You’re receiving this newsletter because you either opted in via email or on my website, or you’ve been in touch with me or my office regarding an issue or issues of importance to you. Forward this email to a friendSenator Saud Anwar Connecticut Senate Democrats300 Capitol Ave Rm 3700Legislative Office BuildingHartford, CT 06106-1553 Add us to your address book 860-240-0347 or Toll-free 1-800-842-1420 www.senatedems.ct.gov/AnwarWant to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Copyright (C) 2020 Connecticut Senate Democrats All rights reserved. |