Coronavirus CT: Schools Closed Until At Least March 31

HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont on Sunday closed all public schools in Connecticut from March 17 through at least March 31 to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus as more cases were announced in the state.

"I am ordering all public schools statewide to cancel classes beginning Tuesday, March 17 through at least March 31," Lamont said during a news conference on the lawn at his residence Sunday night. "This date may be extended if determined necessary."

About 90 percent of Connecticut public schools were already closed amid the outbreak. Lamont ordered the rest to close with his executive order.

"Students who receive meals through the school lunch/breakfast program will be able to continue receiving meals while classes are canceled," Lamont continued. "Similar to how summer meals operate, we received a waiver from the feds that will enable students to take the meals and consume them at home."

He said students' education will continue and the state is working with internet education companies to make that happen. He said free online education modules will be available to all students.

More Connecticut coronavirus cases announced

Lamont on Sunday also revealed six more Connecticut residents tested positive for coronavirus, bringing to total to 26. Fairfield County has the most cases, Lamont said. Here is the breakdown by county:

• Fairfield County: 16 cases
• Litchfield County: 4
• Hartford County: 3
• New Haven County: 3

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Future of Connecticut bars and restaurants amid coronavirus?

Some states closed bars and restaurants to patrons this weekend to prevent the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19. Lamont didn't do that Sunday but said he will speak with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Monday to discuss options.

"It doesn't make any sense for Connecticut to do something and not New York," Lamont said. "People will just go across the borders."

States that closed bars and restaurants to patrons have allowed the establishments to remain open for food delivery.

Connecticut crowd sizes, social distancing, DMV closures

Lamont said Connecticut residents should refrain from gathering in crowds of 150 or more and those in their 60s, 70s and older should avoid crowds altogether because they are at the highest risk. He also encouraged people to work from home and said he's working to make daycare available to health care professionals.

Josh Geballe, the state's chief operating officer, said the Department of Motor Vehicles will close all branches to the public — vital for social distancing — and municipalities will be given extensions for filing budgets.

Help for Connecticut small 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.

Connecticut tax authority extends some deadlines

Consistent with the emergency declarations signed by Lamont, the state Department of Revenue Services granted automatic extensions for certain state tax return deadlines as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Effective immediately, the filing deadlines for certain tax returns due on or after March 15 and before June 1 are extended by 30 days. The payments associated with these returns are also extended to the corresponding due date in June.

Connecticut pharmacies to make, sell hand sanitizer

In reaction to a national shortage of hand sanitizer on the market, Lamont issued an executive order that — among other things — permits pharmacies to manufacture and sell their own hand sanitizer to the public. The state Department of Consumer Protection, responding to the governor’s action, issued an implementation order that outlines the rules pharmacies need to follow during the production process to ensure the public's safety.

Connecticut residents who lose jobs can get health insurance through AccessHealthCT

State Office of Health Strategy Executive Director Vicki Veltri reminded workers who received health insurance through their employer and lost their jobs due to coronavirus or other factors have an option to maintain insurance. If a worker loses minimum coverage or receives COBRA benefits, the worker qualifies year-round for open enrollment through AccessHealthCT, the state’s health insurance marketplace. Find more information at learn.accesshealthct.com/special.

Latest Connecticut coronavirus information

For the most up-to-date information from the state on COVID-19, including guidance and other resources, residents in the state are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The information line is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access for those with a hearing impairment. The hotline only intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider to seek treatment.

Since Tuesday, these are the measures Connecticut has taken in response to the coronavirus outbreak:

Lamont signed executive orders that:

• Relax in-person open meeting requirements to minimize large gatherings, with safeguards to provide remote public access.
• Authorize refunds of liquor permit fees for special events that have since been canceled.
• Waive face-to-face interview requirements for Temporary Family Assistance.
• Authorize the Commissioner of Early Childhood to waive certain licensing and other requirements to maintain and increase the availability of childcare.
• Authorize the Office of Health Strategy to waive certificates of need and other requirements to ensure adequate availability of health care resources and facilities.

Lamont also directed telework be expanded for certain executive branch state employees, allowing more employees to work from home. He also provided 14 days of paid time off for executive branch state employees who cannot report to work due to coronavirus.

Also, service changes were announced for Shore Line East and the Hartford Line, the Connecticut National Guard is aiding the state with requests for assistance, and internet providers are focusing on expanding web access to families as schools and businesses are closed.