CT Coronavirus Updates: Help For Renters, Business Update Details

CONNECTICUT — In a wide-ranging news conference Friday Gov. Ned Lamont touched on numerous topics including relief for renters, how we should celebrate the holidays, nursing homes, optimism, and when the state may reopen for business.

Lamont offered several specific clues on what it will take for him to relax some of the state's restrictions on non-essential businesses opening and the workforce returning.

Lamont is signing an executive order extending the closure of all non-essential businesses from April 20 until May 20. This impacts the following types of businesses: bars, restaurants, shopping malls, off-track-betting, gyms, movies, recreation facilities and all places of public amusement. Bars and restaurants are allowed to remain open for takeout and delivery. Schools are also closed until at least May 20.

Lamont told reporters that in order for him to relax some of the prohibitions and strict social-distancing standards he'd have to receive the ok from "health care experts."

He said health experts will need to inform him when the "virus is contained." But beyond that he said he wants the state to be able to test workers to ensure they are in fact safe to return and won't infect others.

As for stores, Lamont said the state needs "thermometers" so people can be tested before entering stores. He said testing is going to be essential in our return to semi-normalcy and he hopes to begin working on it this month.

"We need to know who is safe...so they can get back to work," Lamont said.

But Lamont was adamant that the state won't reopen for business unless it's safe to do so.

"No false starts," Lamont said.

How to celebrate Easter during the pandemic?

Lamont said it is his "strong recommendation" that families stay home on Easter and avoid any social gatherings. He said he'll be worshipping via streaming online and remaining at home with his immediate family. There will be no aunts or uncles at his Easter celebration, he said.

Big time help for renters

Lamont is issuing an executive order later Friday that prohibits landlords from evicting anyone before July 1 unless there are serious issues. Renters will have a 60-day grace period to pay their April rent and a 60-day grace period to pay the May rent if they request it and it is related to the virus.

Also security deposits for renters in some cases can be applied to the April, May or June rent. Lamont will further outline the help for renters in his order. Patch will update the renters assistance executive order once it is officially filed. Landlords will also receive assistance from the government, Lamont added.

It's a time of 'hope' but we must be vigilant and stay the course, Lamont said

Lamont has struck an optimistic tone this week as he points to the hospitalization rate in the state, which he noticed is falling somewhat from what it was a week ago.

He said there are signs we "maybe, maybe are beginning to bend the curve." But he stressed now is not time to let up on social-distancing efforts and we cannot return to normal yet.

"We're fighting a war against the virus, an invisible enemy and we'll win the war," Lamont said.

He said he's received a flood of emails this week from business owners asking him if it is time to return to work.

"I need to remind people that this silent enemy doesn't just surrender," Lamont said of the coronavirus.

He urged everyone to have patience, stay at home and adhere to strict social-distancing measures that have proven successful thus far. Lamont also added that the only way we truly win the war is through an effective vaccine and everyone must take it.

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Nursing home update

Thus far 116 nursing home coronavirus-related deaths have been reported and state officials said they are working on creating recovery centers and COVID-19 only facilities. They hope to execute the plan soon but it does require proper staffing and equipment, and notifying families.

Officials said a lot of progress has been made but more remains. They said they hope to have more information next week.

Stories of generosity inspire Lamont

Lamont shared several stories that show the state's loving and generous spirit. A Rocky Hill student ended up putting on an impromptu concert for seniors. Teachers across the state are holding caravans where they drive by their students homes with signs showing how much they miss and care about them.

He said students have created a Facebook "Kids Who Care" group and share videos and photos of caring deeds.

A Simsbury restaurant, Millwright's Restaurant, is donating hundreds of family meals to unemployed restaurant workers. A Waterbury pizzeria is delivering hundreds of pizzas to St. Mary's Hospital staff, Lamont said.

He said through love and support is how Connecticut will "win this" war against the virus.