TODAY’S UPDATE (4/25): Another Day with Net Decline in Hospitalizations/ Ellington Ambulance Mask Giveaway on Sunday/ Free Masks Available for Small Businesses
Another positive sign with statewide hospitalizations declining for the third straight day and a decline in new positive cases as well. Unfortunately, the total number of COVID-19 associated fatalities, however, has increased by 98 today.
Since yesterday’s update, an additional 661 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in Connecticut, bringing the statewide total to 24,582, including a total of 35 confirmed cases in East Windsor (+2 since yesterday) and 28 confirmed cases in Ellington (an adjustment down 1 since yesterday). The total COVID-19 associated fatalities of residents reported in East Windsor is now back up to 1 resident fatality and Ellington now has a total of 4 associated fatalities (an adjustment down 1 since yesterday) in today’s data.
To date, more than 77,602 patients have been tested in Connecticut (+3,564 since yesterday). Approximately 1,810 patients are currently hospitalized (net -67 since yesterday). The total statewide number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is now 1,862 (+98 since yesterday). The Governor’s Office notes that the day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week.
Please continue to practice social distancing.
ELLINGTON AMBULANCE GIVING AWAY FREE MASKS TOMORROW (SUNDAY)
Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps will be hosting another mask pick-up event on Sunday, 4/26, from 2-3pm in the front parking lot of Ellington High School.
Please only come if you did not get masks from the pick-up last week, and only 2 will be given per household! Again, it will be first come, first served.
These masks are donated from various individuals and churches in our community. Thank you to all of these community members for their generous donations.
FREE MASKS AVAILABLE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) and its affiliate CONNSTEP are distributing free face coverings to eligible, essential small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Eligible businesses include those defined as essential businesses by the Department of Economic and Community Development.
Eligible essential small businesses can request up to two free face coverings per employee by filling out the form found here: https://tinyurl.com/ydg5hzss
Small businesses are strongly urged to create their own face coverings following CDC guidelines. This will ensure the limited supply of coverings go to small businesses that are struggling to secure their own supply.
Requested face coverings will be distributed next week through the municipality in which the business is located. The local municipality will then contact businesses with a date, time, and location to receive the requested masks. The distribution will continue while supplies last. The initiative is intended to help small businesses comply with the governor’s executive order requiring dace coverings to be worn whenever social distancing is not possible, including in essential businesses.
NEW SNAP FOOD BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN ENROLLED IN FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH
The State of Connecticut received federal approval Friday for its plan to provide $72.3 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to children eligible for the free and reduced-price meals program. Authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the new Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program is expected to bring food benefits to about 270,000 Connecticut children who are not able to receive meals at school.
Families do not need to apply for these benefits, as children are automatically eligible because school is not in session. The planned benefit is $267.90 per child enrolled in the free and reduced-price meals program. Additional benefits may be provided if school closures extend beyond May 20. Further information will be posted as it becomes available at www.ct.gov/snap.
For more information about the state’s response to the pandemic, please visit: ct.gov/coronavirus
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or repdavis.com.