COVID-19 Update from Rep. Rebimbas: Schools to Remain Closed

COVID-19 Update
Honoring Local Heroes

Our nurses, firefighters, and so many other frontline workers make tremendous personal sacrifices in service to their communities. This is especially true now as first responders, healthcare workers, and other essential workers respond to emergencies, treat patients, and keep supply chains open while we battle this pandemic. In celebration of International Firefighters' Day (May 4) and National Nurses Week, which begins today, please join me in thanking our local heroes for all they do for the Borough of Naugatuck.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I'd like to thank our educators who, despite school closures, have continued to help our students learn in a new virtual setting. Keep up the great work. We appreciate all you do for our children.

Updates from the Governor's Office

K-12 Classes to Remain Closed for Academic Year

The governor has announced that K-12 public school facilities will remain closed for the 2019-2020 academic year. Distance learning will continue. Schools will also be required to continue providing meals to children under the school lunch and breakfast programs for consumption at home, as they have been throughout this emergency. According to the governor and Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye, summer camps will be allowed to open this summer under very specific guidelines. Those guidelines have not yet been released, but I will forward that information as soon as it becomes available. Information about summer school will also be forthcoming. Click on the link for more information.

Regional Supply Chain for PPE/Medical Equipment

The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island have announced a multi-state agreement to develop a regional supply chain for personal protective equipment, other medical equipment, and testing. This includes working with local and regional suppliers to limit disruptions to distribution, and using emerging technologies to find more efficient and cost-effective means of production.

State Launches Free Online Job Training Program

SkillUp CT has been launched to help unemployed individuals gain access to online learning opportunities and industry-recognized certifications that will assist them in their respective job searches. Eligible residents will be able to access courses in information technology, business analysis, customer service, project management, digital literacy, and more.

Resources

• CT###em: To subscribe, text the key word COVIDCT to 888-777
• News from the governor's office: Click Here
• FAQ Document: Click Here
• Governor's COVID-19 Executive Orders affecting...
  • Business, Labor, and Housing: Click Here
  • Health and Human Services: Click Here
  • Education and Childcare: Click Here
  • State & Local Government Operations & Elections: Click Here

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
House Republican Resource Page: Click Here

Local
Borough of Naugatuck: Click Here


Latest COVID-19 Data

As of 4:00 p.m. yesterday, Naugatuck has 202 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