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03/17/2020 12:00 AM"As the coronavirus outbreak continues, it's crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest accurate information. I'm working hard to keep my community informed, and I want to share a few updates with you," stated State Senator Christine Cohen (D, District 12), in a March 17 letter shared with constituents. Cohen provided the following information on COVID-19 precautions, state-level updates to assist employees and employers impacted, measures being taken by utility companies, and much more:
Social Distancing
In an effort to prevent public gatherings that could rapidly spread the coronavirus, Governor Ned Lamont has announced that all restaurants and bars in the state must close, with the exception carryout and delivery sales. This decision comes as part of a regional agreement with the governors of New York and New Jersey, as the tri-state area is already dealing with a high volume of coronavirus cases.
In addition, movie theaters, gyms, recreational facilities and commercial casinos must also close, and gatherings of 50 or more people will be banned indefinitely statewide. Supermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies and other essential businesses will remain open.
While our 12th district schools had already announced closure, Governor Lamont announced all public schools in the state will be closed for at least two weeks beginning today. As these closures continue, school districts are launching efforts to ensure students will be able to access breakfast and lunch options. Additionally, many schools are providing remote learning opportunities for their students. Please consult your local school website for more information.
The message here is simple. Please stay home, if you are able.
Safety of Public Drinking Water and Wastewater
COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. The risk of transmission of that virus that causes COVID-19 through sewerage systems is low and there is currently no evidence that this has occurred. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you can continue to drink tap water. The EPA's drinking water regulations require treatment that removes or kills pathogens, including viruses.
Unemployment Insurance
Unfortunately, an increasing number of businesses will be laying off staff and reducing hours. The financial repercussions of this health crisis could be tremendous, and I'm working hard to make state resources available to those who are most in need. The Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL) asks that you follow these steps if you are a worker or business owner who needs to file for unemployment:
Some important points: Everyone who is currently out of work due to the pandemic is encouraged to file for unemployment ASAP.
Connecticut is one of six states that doesn't have a waiting period for workers eligible to receive benefits. Make sure your employer provides you with a RETURN TO WORK DATE even if that date needs to be extended later. A return to work date on documentation from employers allows DOL to automatically process your application. School employees who might otherwise be ineligible for unemployment during school breaks and summer vacation are eligible if furloughed or laid off because of school closings. Prorated unemployment benefits, up to 60%, are available to eligible employees who have their hours cut. A hotline will be up and running mid-week to answer callers with claim questions. Thank you to DOL employees who will be working 10-hour days and Saturdays to deal with claims. Governor Lamont and Commissioner Westby have authorized overtime to process claims and assist Connecticut workers during these trying times.
If you are a worker: Please visit www.filectui.com to file for unemployment and please do so as soon as possible. It is important to file as soon as you become unemployed. If you need help completing your application, you can email dol.webhelp@ct.gov.
If you contract COVID-19 and need to take time off work or are fired, you may file for unemployment benefits. You may also file for unemployment benefits if you are required to self-quarantine, your employer closes during this outbreak or a family member becomes ill. The outcome will depend on a case-by-case basis.
If your employer only permits you to work part-time instead of full-time or you work multiple jobs and your full-time employer closes, you may be eligible for partial unemployment.
If your employer retaliates against you for filing unemployment, you may file a complaint under the Connecticut Unemployment Compensation Act.
The Department of Labor is also suspending federal work search programs requiring unemployment recipients to meet one-on-one for assistance and is suspending work search requirements for unemployment benefits. Furloughed employees are eligible for at least six weeks of benefits.
If you are an employer: If one of your employees is sick with COVID-19, you can require them to stay home, though you should issue them an Unemployment Separation Package.
If you must close your business due to illness or quarantine, please direct your employees to www.filectui.com.
The Department of Labor offers a SharedWork program for employers seeing business slow down. This is an alternative to a layoff, allowing employers to reduce full-time employees' wages by up to 60 percent while workers collect partial unemployment. All employers with at least two full-time or permanent part-time employees can participate. A reduction of work must be between 10 and 60 percent of activities. More details, including information about paid sick leave, wages and hours, and family medical leave, can be found at this link.
Gas, Electricity, and Internet Service
As many families are stuck in their homes, state agencies and service providers are working hard to maintain affordable, reliable utilities. The CT Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has ordered all utility providers to suspend shutoffs for the duration of the public health emergency, regardless of customers' ability to pay. If you experience a utility shutoff, contact the Office of the Attorney General at CT.gov/AG or 860-808-5318.
In addition, internet service has become a crucial channel for keeping students engaged with their schoolwork and allowing residents of all ages to tele-commute from their homes. Comcast is offering 60 days of free internet service to qualifying low-income households. Visit www.InternetEssentials.com or call 855-856-8376 to learn more.
Small Business Relief
Small businesses will bear the brunt of economic fallout as this pandemic continues. That's why Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development announced that the 800 small business owners who owe loan payments to the state's Small Business Express program can defer loan payments for three months.
In addition, Governor Lamont submitted a request to the U.S. Small Business Administration, asking the federal agency to issue a declaration that will enable Connecticut's small business owners to receive economic injury disaster loans. That request has been granted and Connecticut's small businesses, and non-profits, may now apply for up to $2 million in federal loan assistance by visiting SBA.gov/disaster or calling 1-800-659-2955.
Inevitably, there are some who have taken to social media to express their dismay that their favorite restaurant isn't accepting in-person dining, or that their town has shut down recreational programming. Some allege that Connecticut is overreacting to this public health crisis. I wish it were true.
We are at a crucial juncture in the spread of COVID-19. The decisions we each make today will determine how many fatalities accompany this pandemic. It is reckless and irresponsible to treat this as a snow day or vacation. It falls on each of us to stay home – whether we are part of a vulnerable population or not. One in five individuals infected with the virus are expected to show serious symptoms requiring medical care or hospitalization, especially individuals over the age of 60 or who have additional medical concerns. All of this is further complicated by a shortage of testing supplies, as some people will catch coronavirus, be asymptomatic so, never know it. Closing down schools and restaurants is the only way to keep this from becoming a year-long crisis.
If you begin to develop symptoms or believe you have come in direct contact with coronavirus, medical professionals request you quarantine yourself for a period of 14 days, as you may be infectious during this time. This means you should remain in one room if possible and limit your interactions with other people in your home, preferably using a separate bathroom from others. As of now, medical professionals believe you can leave quarantine after 14 days if you do not develop symptoms.
Should your symptoms require medical attention, please contact your healthcare provider for further instruction. As part of the Governor's most recent response, healthcare professionals are being granted a streamlined approval process to accelerate the availability of treatment and services. Drive-Thru testing has been approved and implemented at seven locations throughout Connecticut. As of today, the designated testing sites include Yale-New Haven Hospital on Sergeant Drive. You will need a doctor's order in order to receive a test.
Along with my husband and children, I will continue to follow the advice of medical experts and practicing social distancing. This means staying at home and minimizing interactions with others. I recognize that this is a stressful time that can evoke tremendous anxiety. Get outside for some yard work or a walk. Catch up on your favorite television shows and movies. Read through that book pile that has been staring at you, but you've been too busy to tackle. Work on a home project that perhaps you've been putting off. Stay connected with family and friends through technology and social media. We will get through this, together! I'll also continue working to pass along the latest information to you, my constituents. I have been providing daily updates on all of my social media pages (links provided below), but if you're not connected there, I will be emailing news regularly. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. I'm eager to help, and I can be reached by email at Christine.Cohen@cga.ct.gov."