CT Coronavirus: All Non-Essential Businesses Ordered To Close

HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont unveiled a “Stay Safe, Stay at Home” program that would require non-essential businesses to close for the next few weeks at least. Lamont will sign an executive order Friday night that will go into effect Monday morning. He said if your business isn’t considered essential then employees should remain home.

He will define essential businesses in the executive order but during a press conference officials said these types of businesses will remain open: food supply chain, grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, health care, doctors offices, financial services, childcare services, auto repair and hardware services. The executive order, which will be finalized tonight, will more clearly explain all the essential services.

Officials said liquor stores would remain open and restaurants and bars are allowed to offer takeout and delivery services. No one is allowed to dine-in at a local establishment. Officials said individuals wouldn’t be fined for violating the order but non-essential businesses that choose to remain open could be fined.

4th Death, 194 Positive Cases In CT

Lamont opened his press conference saying Connecticut experienced its fourth death as a result of the coronavirus. The state is reporting 194 positive cases and 40 people are hospitalized.

Here is a breakdown of the numbers by county: Fairfield County: 122, Hartford County: 29, Litchfield County: 8, Middlesex County: 5, New Haven County: 23, New London County: 1, Tolland County: 4, Windham County: 2. (To sign up for free, local breaking news alerts from more than 100 Connecticut communities, click here.)

Connecticut is conducting 1,000 tests a day and in the early stages that number was as low as 20 per day. Lamont said all four fatalities have been reported in Fairfield County, one Ridgefield resident and two New Canaan residents. He didn’t say which town the fourth person lived in.

Lamont also issued a plea to anyone who may have an abundance of masks and ventilators. He said the state would pay “top price” and of course would be ecstatic if folks would donate these vital items. He also said more trained nurses are needed and that 500 nurses that had planned to retire or had just retired have returned to work.

A generous benefactor donated millions of dollars to help create 26 new day care facilities near hospitals, which will provide a place for children of doctors and nurses to go while they’re at work.

Lamont also said that people 70 and older should remain in their homes. He said exercise should be solitary.

Lamont stopped short of doing what New York did today by ordering that everyone but essential workers must remain in their homes. However, the intent was the same except Lamont is not ordering major manufacturing and major construction projects halted.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday he issued an order mandating that all non-essential workers remain in their homes. Cuomo said in a news conference Friday that "words matter," adding that his executive order puts "New York State on pause."

COVID-19 cases, deaths in CT

There are now 194 confirmed coronavirus cases in Connecticut, up from 159 Thursday, and four people have died. Health officials have said we should assume that for every positive test, that means 100 people have the virus. Since yesterday, 35 more residents tested positive.

Meanwhile, Lamont said the number of people in hospitals is going up and will increase dramatically and so too is demand for supplies for heath care workers and first responders.

"We need people. We need trained nurses," he said, but added that "500 nurses have stood up, thought they were retiring..."

Businesses from bars to barbers closed

Connecticut joined New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to shutter restaurants and bars, though takeout and delivery are allowed, movie theaters, casinos, gyms, large indoor retail shopping malls, amusement parks, and bowling alleys.

Also, any public amusement venues including aquariums, zoos, arcades, fairs, children's play centers, theme parks, and other family and children's attractions shall be closed to the public. By Thursday, the governor directed that all nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, and other cosmetology services close.

"These are difficult decisions that are all meant to put public health first," he said.

Unemployment updates & help for small business

Lamont suspended the requirement for furloughed workers to prove that they are actively searching for work in order to obtain ongoing unemployment benefits. The state Department of Labor says people should file claims online by clicking here, where they say those claims will be expedited. It's reported that while job centers remain open at this time for unemployment benefits, but there will be significant delays for any in-person business.

Small business in the state will be able to to file for economic disaster assistance, including access to low-interest loans, Lamont said. He submitted a request to the U.S. Small Business Administration asking the federal agency to issue a declaration for Connecticut small business owners to receive disaster loans. Officials hope the measures benefit the business community, which has been distressed amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

There's guidance for workers, employers and small businesses.

Uninsured can get healthcare

Access Health CT opens special enrollment today through April 2 for the uninsured. Coverage for those who enroll during this period will begin April 1. Sign up for this special enrollment period by calling 1-855-365-2428 (TTY: 1-855-789-2428). Telephone enrollment is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Individuals who lose coverage due to unemployment, experience certain other qualifying life events, or qualify for Medicaid/Children's Health Program (CHIP), can always enroll online, in-person or over the phone and all help is free. For more information on this announcement, click here.