LATEST DARIEN COVID-19 NEWS: Continual Updates: June 15 to 21

This week’s news and links on the COVID-19 pandemic for Darien, as they come in:

LATEST UPDATES: Governor’s briefings || Assistance program expanded for low-income families hurt by COVID-19 economic downturn

See also:

LATEST DARIEN COVID-19 NEWS: Continual Updates:

June 7 to 14 || June 1 to 7 || May 25 to 31 || May 18 to 24 || May 11 to 17 || May 3 to 10 || April 27 to May 3 || April 20 to 26 || April 13 to 19 || April 5 to 12 || March 30 to April 5

SUNDAY: Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing

Sunday, June 21 — Gov. Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 12:30 p.m.:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

SATURDAY: Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing

Saturday, June 20 — Gov. Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 12 noon:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

 

FRIDAY: Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing

Friday, June 19 — Gov. Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 5 p.m.:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

Updated data on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and assisted living facilities

The following documents contain updated data regarding each of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Connecticut that are reporting positive cases of COVID-19 among their residents. The data is presented as it was reported to the state by each of the facilities. If a facility is not listed, that means it is reporting that it does not have any residents who have tested positive. This data is updated on a weekly basis.

Connecticut Department of Labor issues update on the establishment of a new contact center and the latest data on unemployment claims

The Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby today announced that his agency is on track to launch its renewed consumer contact center in mid-July.

The improved contact center will increase the number of customer service representatives available and improve capacity at the agency by putting more communications platforms in use for customers.

Currently, the agency has about 100 customer service representatives that are shifted between state and federal programs, and about 40 staff answering phone calls.

The consumer contact center will add 60 new customer service representatives that can continue to work with applicants via phone and email, plus it includes new text, chat, call back, and virtual assistant features.

Regarding unemployment insurance applications, Commissioner Westby said that the agency has received 635,722 claims since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and 617,296 of them have been processed.

Claims processing time is now down to about one or two weeks – a significant improvement from the height of the pandemic when it was about six weeks.

Customers with out-of-state wages, foreign worker status, or earnings from a federal partner (like the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs) require the department to wait for verification before completing the claim.

Since March 13, the Connecticut Department of Labor has disbursed:

• $900 million in state unemployment benefits (UI);
• $75 million in pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA);
• $38 million in pandemic emergency unemployment compensation (PEUC) for individuals who have exhausted regular UI benefits; and
• $1.76 billion in federal pandemic unemployment compensation (FPUC), the additional weekly benefit that expires on July 25, 2020.

For more information, read the press release that was issued today by the Connecticut Department of Labor.

FEMA approves extension for emergency feeding program through July 20

The State of Connecticut has received an extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approval to apply for reimbursement for statewide emergency feeding efforts until July 20.

These vital efforts will continue to be coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture in partnership with the many state and local agencies and nonprofit providers, including community food banks.

FEMA has approved providing food support to the following populations:

• Individuals infected or exposed to COVID-19 that require isolation and quarantine but not hospitalization;
• Individuals who are asymptomatic but are at high risk, such as people over 65 or those who have certain underlying health conditions; and
• Individuals who do not have the resources to prepare or obtain meals, are facing food insecurity, and are not eligible for other public nutrition programs.

This extension helps the state ensure that it can continue to provide food support to the many residents, families, and children impacted by COVID-19.

THURSDAY: Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing

Thursday, June 18 — Gov. Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 6 p.m.:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week.

All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

*A total of 81 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, however 70 previously reported cases were removed from the statewide total due to correction of data errors

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

Employees of five state agencies to begin receiving mandatory COVID-19 testing

Employees of five Connecticut state agencies who have frequent contact with constituents in congregate settings, hospitals, and nursing homes have been identified by the agencies and the Office of Labor Relations, under the guidance of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, as meeting the requirements to receive mandatory COVID-19 testing.

The testing is being required to ensure the safety of state employees who work in these settings, as well as the constituents who receive the services.

The identified agencies include the Department of Correction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Developmental Services.

Decisions on which employees in these agencies will receive mandatory testing will be based on the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Staff who have been identified for mandatory testing are in the process of being notified.

Darien YMCA Now Open

Wednesday, June 17 — The Darien YMCA reopened its building on June 17. Here’s an edited-down version of the news release, sent late to Darienite.com:

Initial hours of operation will be Mondays through Fridays, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The YMCA is carefully planning its phased reopening to reactivate programs in the safest manner possible allowing members access the services and support they need in a safe environment.

Jennifer Gardner, CEO.

In preparation for reopening, the Darien YMCA is following guidelines from health experts and local officials to ensure all components of facilities are cleaned and sanitized to meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety. The Y has also modified policies and procedures to facilitate safe social/physical distancing practices.

The first phase of reopening will include:

· Wellness Center and Training Center (cardio, strength and free weights)

· Pool (lap swim and swim team)

· Group Fitness classes (virtually, outside and inside)

· Personal & small group training (outside and inside)

· Gymnastics Center (team training and camp)

· Summer Camp (beginning June 22nd)

All members and staff will complete health screening questions before entering the Y. All areas that are open will be operating at a limited capacity and with social distancing restrictions.

Members will be asked to wear face covering in all common areas and may exercise in designated areas without a mask as long as they maintain 12 feet from other members. Those not feeling well should stay home and get healthy.

The Darien YMCA is accepting new members at this time. For more information about reopening, joining, membership renewal, reactivation and program registration, visit www.darien-ymca.org.

WEDNESDAY: Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing

Wednesday, June 17 — Gov. Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 6:30 p.m.:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

Governor Lamont noted that today’s test results represent the lowest percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in Connecticut since the pandemic began. Out of the 6,430 tests reported since yesterday, only 80 were positive, representing a 1.2 percent positivity rate. In addition, with a total of 188 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, hospitalization rates in the state dipped below 200 for the first time since the mid-March.

“I can’t stop saying how impressed I am at the people of Connecticut for listening to the advice of public health professionals and taking the appropriate actions to bend the curve,” Governor Lamont said. “The people of Connecticut are having an impact, and that is exactly why our state has been identified as one of only a handful in the nation to be ‘trending better.’ However, this isn’t over, and the last thing we want is to set ourselves back and erase all of the progress we’ve made. Each of us needs to continue doing our part to prevent a renewed spread of this virus. Seeing so many people wearing masks and having this resulting data tells me our residents are looking out for each other.”

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

Governor Lamont signs 54^th executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order – the 54^th since he enacted the emergency declarations – that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of the virus. Executive Order No. 7AAA enacts the following provisions:

• Technical correction to Executive Order No. 7ZZ, Section 8: Clarifies that Executive Order No. 7F, Sections 3 through 5 remain in effect.
• Authority to modify limitation on group sizes in child care: Allows the commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood to increase permissible total numbers of children that a child care facility may serve in one space and in one facility.
• Waiver of requirement to hold annual agricultural fair and reporting requirement to maintain agricultural society property tax exemption: Allows agricultural and horticultural societies to continue to receive certain tax benefits without conducting a required annual agricultural fair.
• Mandatory COVID-19 testing for staff of private and municipal nursing home facilities, managed residential communities, and assisted living services agencies: Modifies the mandatory staff testing program for nursing home and other congregate setting staff to set conditions for testing to cease after 14 consecutive days without a positive case and to require resumed testing if any staff member or resident tests positive.

Connecticut Department of Transportation Reminds Travelers to Wear Face Coverings; Be Aware of Social Distancing and Stay Safe

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced a number of steps it has taken prioritize safety for all users of the transportation system as the state enters Phase 2 of its return to pre-COVID operations.

Train and bus service is gradually being augmented to provide service to additional travelers who are beginning to travel again for work and other purposes.

First and most importantly, public transportation users can help protect themselves, fellow riders, and transit workers by wearing face coverings and not riding public transportation when they are sick. This is the most effective way to promote public safety. CTDOT has also directed service providers to continue intensive daily cleaning of buses and rail cars until further notice. On the bus system, riders will continue to board through the rear door on buses so equipped. Some buses already feature clear plastic dividers between the bus driver and the general public and CTtransit is moving forward with the procurement and installation of additional driver barriers on other buses. These barriers are expected to be installed before Labor Day.

As the weather has improved and traffic volumes were depressed, the state saw a larger number of individuals walking and biking in many cities and towns. CTDOT is encouraging pedestrians to “Stop the Spread, Bump the Button” at pedestrian crosswalks. Pedestrians are advised – in English and Spanish – to use their elbow or arm, rather than their hands, to push the button for a walk signal. CTDOT has adhered “Bump the Button” decals to call buttons along state roadways and begun to replace agency-managed pedestrian crosswalk call buttons in several large cities, including Hartford and New Haven, with modern, larger call buttons for “bumping.” Additional cities will be considered for these call button upgrades as funding permits.

“In the months since the coronavirus pandemic began, we have worked hard to prepare for a return to something approaching pre-COVID ‘normalcy,’” Transportation Commissioner Joseph J. Giulietti said. “Travel on buses and trains was restricted to essential travel only. Now, with people re-engaging with our economy, we want to reassure the safety for all users on our trains, buses, roadways and sidewalks. I want to thank our customers and citizens for their patience and understanding, and our operators for their continued support and commitment to the safety of the public.”

Rail service on the New Haven Line, Hartford Line, and Shore Line East continues to operate on a limited schedule. Although ridership, once down by more than 90 percent, is gradually beginning to build, there is substantial capacity for returning riders. Danbury Line and Waterbury Line service remains suspended to accelerate ongoing capital projects, while ridership levels remain at historic lows.

Bus service continues to operate on regular weekday and weekend schedules, providing service to countless essential workers who have continued to ride throughout the public health emergency. Bus ridership saw reductions of approximately 50 percent during the early weeks of the public health emergency. Ridership has begun to increase modestly following the Phase 1 reopening.

The pandemic also had the effect of dramatically reducing highway traffic volumes while at the same time causing a sharp uptick in speeding. CTDOT joined with the Connecticut State Police in a program urging motorists to slow down and “Help Our Heroes” – with electronic message boards along highways promoting the effort. As Connecticut enters Phase 2 of the recovery, CTDOT is continuing to stress dangers posed by speeding and encouraging travelers to observe speed limits, slow down, and watch out for crews in highway work zones.

CTDOT also reminded travelers that the 23 service plazas on I-95, Route 15, and I-395 are fully open for food, fuel, restrooms, and other amenities and travel conveniences. Enhanced cleaning services have been implemented. The seven rest areas along I-84, I-91, and I-95 have also returned to normal operations and staffing, with enhanced and more frequent cleaning in common areas.

TUESDAY: Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing

Tuesday, June 16 — Gov. Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 9 p.m.:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

Governor Lamont signs 53^rd executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order – the 53^rd since he enacted the emergency declarations – that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of the virus. Executive Order No. 7ZZ enacts the following provisions:

• Modifications to adapt to Phase 2 reopening efforts: In preparation for Phase 2 of Connecticut’s reopening efforts, which begins June 17, 2020, the executive order makes modifications to several previously issued executive orders to adapt to this change. This includes sectors such as hotels/lodging; indoor dining; personal services; sport and fitness facilities; amusement parks; and museums, zoos, and aquariums.
• Restrictions on large gatherings and events: Amends previously issued executive orders on large gatherings and events and permits the commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development to issue rules on these gatherings except for religious gatherings.
• Further clarification of limits on alcohol sales by restaurants, bars, and private clubs: Allows hotel liquor permit holders to sell liquor with pick-up and delivery services under the same rules previously issued to other liquor permit holders.
• Restrictions of off-track betting extended: Extends the prohibition of operations at of-track betting facilities through July 20, 2020.
• Extension of essential business rules: Extends the previously issued rules on essential businesses for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency.
• Clarification of Executive Order No. 7MM: Clarifies that any activity permitted by the expedited approval process provided in Executive Order No. 7MM is allowed to continue throughout the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless closed because of enforcement of existing law, permit conditions, or executive orders.
• Extension of remote notarization: Extends Executive Order No. 7Q, Section 3 for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency.

**Download: Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7ZZ

Updated guidance on indoor and outdoor gatherings released

Governor Lamont today announced updated guidance for indoor and outdoor gatherings over the next several weeks. The plan is as follows:

Effective June 17:

• Indoor private gatherings – 25 people
• Outdoor gatherings – 100 people
• Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) – 25% of fire capacity and distancing (consistent with outdoor amusement parks)

Effective July 3:

• Indoor private gatherings – 25 people
• Outdoor private gatherings – 100 people, one time exception for graduations at 150 people
• Outdoor organized gatherings (e.g. fireworks, concerts in municipal parks) – 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, cap of 500 people; event organizer responsible for compliance with guidance
• Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) – 25% of fire capacity and distancing

Effective mid-July (date to be determined):

• Indoor private gatherings – 50 people
• Outdoor private gatherings (including graduations) – 250 people
• Outdoor organized gatherings (e.g. fireworks, concerts in municipal parks) – 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, no cap; event organizer responsible for compliance with guidance
• Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) – 50% of fire capacity and distancing

MONDAY: Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing

Monday, June 15 — Gov. Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 5:30 p.m.:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week.

All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.

County-by-county breakdown:

For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “COVID-19 Data Tracker.”

Businesses reminded to self-certify prior to Phase 2 opening on Wednesday

Connecticut businesses that are eligible to open under Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plans, which takes effect on Wednesday, June 17, are reminded to self-certify with the state prior to opening.

The self-certification process demonstrates to the state that businesses understand and will comply with COVID-19 rules and regulations. It can be done quickly online at business.ct.gov/recovery.

Businesses included in Phase 2 include:

• Amusement parks
• Hotels/lodging
• Restaurants (indoor dining)
• Museums, zoos, and aquariums
• Indoor recreation (e.g. bowling, movie theaters, etc.)
• Libraries
• Outdoor events
• Personal services (e.g. nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc.)
• Sports and fitness facilities (e.g. gyms, fitness centers, pools, etc.)

To read the rules for each individual sector in both English and Spanish, click here.

Upon completion of the certification process, companies are encouraged to download a safety signage and badge for display at their place of business and/or on their website. Utilization of the materials is strictly voluntary.

 

Darien Health Department: No New COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, Deaths Since One Positive Case on May 29

Monday, June 15 — Darien Health Department on Monday gave out just about the best news it can report regarding COVID-19 cases in town:

• “There are no new positive COVID cases, hospitalizations or deaths reported for Darien residents today: June 15, 2020.  The last positive COVID-19 test result in Darien was May 29, 2020.”

Here’s the town Health Department’s weekly summary of COVID-19 statistics, for the week ending Thursday, June 12:

About the Picture in the Article Link

This picture is from the Centers for Disease Control website.