COVID-19 Update: Latest Executive Orders, Unemployment Info, More

COVID-19 Update:
Latest Executive Orders, Latest from DOL, Appointees to Multi-State Council, Financial Aid for Nursing Homes, Student Loan Assistance, and More

Updates from the Governor

Latest Executive Orders (7DD and 7EE)

Today, Governor Lamont signed executive order 7EE - the 32nd order since he enacted the emergency declaration last month. This order requires all nursing homes, managed residential communities, including assisted living facilities, to provide daily status reports to the state using the existing Connecticut Hospital and Long-Term Care Mutual Aid Plan. Nursing homes that do not comply will be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.

Read the governor's explanation of 7EE: Click Here

Yesterday's executive order (7DD) expands the definition of telehealth provider to include any licensed dentist, behavioral analyst, genetic counselor, music therapist, art therapist, and veterinarian. The order makes additional changes to state statutes regarding health care workers, including the suspension of continuing education requirements for healthcare providers, and more.

Read the governor's explanation of 7DD: Click Here

Unemployment Claims Processing

The CT Department of Labor (DOL) has now processed 327,000 of the 402,000 unemployment claims that have been filed since March 13, 2020, which is around the time when the COVID-19 crisis reached the state. Since the implementation of software upgrades, DOL has reduced processing time by 50 percent, and it expects to reduce it even further (down to one week). Those applying for unemployment are encouraged to select direct deposit as this speeds up the process.

Today's press release from CT DOL: Click Here

FAQ Document from CT DOL: Click Here

Governors Announce Appointees to Multi-State Council

The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island have announced their appointments to the multi-state council to restore the regional economy. This group is separate from the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group, which will focus on similar efforts at the state level. The multi-state council includes three members from each state including a public health expert, a business/economic development expert, and each governor's chief of staff. Click the link above to read the full release.

House Republican Leaders Send Letter to the Governor

The governor, his staff, and administration have worked diligently to navigate Connecticut through an unprecedented crisis. While we appreciative their efforts, a number of unintended consequences have arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic and our state's response to the crisis. These consequences must be addressed.

In a letter to Governor Lamont, House Republican leadership raise a number of issues including a sharp rise in unemployment, an alarming increase in reports of domestic violence, the effects of isolation and social distancing on children, and the risk to people living with serious health conditions who have been denied access to elective medical procedures.

The leaders have asked the governor to appoint experts to the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group subgroups who have experience working with vulnerable populations. They also asked the governor for greater communication with the legislature and members of the public regarding plans to reopen the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, and that is why we need more seats at the table so the entire state can be represented in the government's plans to rebuild. We thank the governor for his consideration, and hope he works with us to help rebuild Connecticut.

Assistance for Nursing Homes

Governor Lamont has ordered his administration to increase Medicaid payments to the state's 215 nursing home facilities by five percent, which is in addition to the previously announced ten percent increase. This increases payments to nursing homes by $65 million statewide. These funds will help facilities cover employee wages, staff retention bonuses, overtime compensation, shift incentive payments, visitor screening costs, personal protective equipment, cleaning and housekeeping supplies, and other expenses that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor also announced additional changes to the state's Medicaid program.

Student Loan Payment Relief

It is important to remember the impact of COVID-19 on Connecticut students and young professionals. Governor Lamont, Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez, and leaders from other states have announced a deal with private student loan servicers to help borrowers not covered by the CARES Act, which only provides relief for borrowers of federal student loans. Click here to read the entire announcement.


2020 Legislative Session

The 2020 regular session will constitutionally adjourn on May 6, 2020 without any further action by the House or Senate. Instead, we will likely reconvene later this year for special session to address pressing matters and to ensure continuity of government. I will provide an update on this when possible. Click here to read more.

Additional Resources

As a reminder, these are the best regularly updated sources of information from global, federal, state and local governments and organizations:

Global

World Health Organization: Click Here

Federal

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): Click Here

State

State of Connecticut Web-Portal: Click Here
FAQ Document from the Governor's Office: Click Here
Governor's Executive Orders: Click Here
Latest Announcements for Governor Lamont: Click Here
House Republican Resource Page: Click Here


Local

Borough of Naugatuck: Click Here


Latest COVID-19 Data

As of 6:00 p.m. this evening, Naugatuck now has 145 confirmed cases of COVID-19 according to the Naugatuck Valley Health District. While these numbers are unsettling, our social distancing seems to be having an effect. Following these guidelines and only leaving our home for essential errands is imperative at this time.

As always, I thank our healthcare professionals and first responders who are working long hours while putting their own health and safety at risk in order to help others. Their efforts are heroic and they continue to save countless lives.

I will provide more updates as I receive new information. Please reach out to me if you have questions or concerns about the state and local response to the COVID-19 pandemic, or any state government matter. I am more than happy to speak with you directly, provide more information if possible, and to serve as a resource for you and your families.

Email: Rosa.Rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov

Warm regards,
State Representative Rosa C. Rebimbas

70th General Assembly District
Naugatuck