"Phase Three" Reopening Delayed and More

Governor Delays "Phase Three" Reopening
Governor Lamont has postponed Connecticut's "Phase Three" reopening, originally scheduled for July 20, due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in other states. This means indoor dining and gyms will remain at 50 percent capacity, bars will remain closed, and private gatherings may not exceed 25 people for indoor events or 100 people for outdoor events. Campgrounds were still permitted to open today as planned, and outdoor graduation ceremonies with no more than 150 people may proceed as well.
Read the full CT Post article: Click Here

Fall School Reopen Plan Webinar - TOMORROW
Tomorrow, Thursday, July 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Connecticut Department of Education will be hosting a live moderated webinar to discuss the official fall school reopen plan, Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut's Plan to Learn and Grow Together. The webinar will include an overview of the plan by the state's Commissioner of Education, Miguel Cardona, for the benefit of district leaders, parents, students, teachers, political partners, and educational stakeholders.
The webinar will be live streamed for member's of the public: Click Here

Updated Travel Advisory
Individuals traveling to Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York from the following 19 states are strongly urged to self-quarantine for 14-days due to significant community spread of COVID-19: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
Read the latest about the state's travel advisory: Click Here

Contact Tracing
Connecticut is leading the nation in reducing COVID-19 infection rates. This is the result of hard work and discipline by our residents and businesses. With that said, prevention is still the best chance we have for putting the virus, and the pandemic, to rest. The administration continues to stress masks, social distancing, hygiene, testing, and is ramping up contact tracing efforts to minimize further spread of COVID-19. If you see "CT COVID TRACE" appear on your phone, it is an official communication from the state alerting you that someone you may have been in contact with has tested positive for COVID-19. The governor is encouraging individuals who receive this message to respond.
Read more about this initiative: Click Here

Paycheck Protection Program Extended
The federal government has extended the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) until August 8, 2020, and is now accepting applications once again. As a reminder, these loans carry a one percent interest rate and a two year maturity if provided before June 5, 2020, and a five year maturity if provided after June 5, 2020. Payments may be deferred for six months. Loans are forgivable provided the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. At least 60 percent of the forgivable amount must be used for payroll expenses.
Read more about the PPP: Click Here

Reminder: Several extended tax filing deadlines are next Wednesday, July 15.
As always, please reach out to me if you have questions or concerns about the state and local response to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for the reopening of our schools and economy, 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,
Rosa

State Representative Rosa C. Rebimbas
70th General Assembly District
Naugatuck