The Laurel is chronicling the major news concerning coronavirus in Connecticut. Follow along as the coverage continues, one day at a time. Connect with us on Twitter, @TheLaurelCT.
Today, a video circulated on social media from NBC Today of a verklempt Hoda Kotb. She had to toss to her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie as tears welled up. Journalists, national and local, are people with loved ones, friends and colleagues. They are working amid uncertain, unprecedented times trying to report the facts to the public. What Hoda Kotb expressed today serves as a reminder that we’re human and that we’re in this crisis together.
Here are the major news updates from today:
- “Jeffrey Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare, said the virus is expected to peak in Connecticut in the second week of April. He said the state and hospitals and health systems are paying high prices to acquire personal protective equipment,” according to the Hartford Courant.
- The Department of Economic and Community Development will be doubling the amount of funding available for the bridge loan program from $25 million to $50 million. DECD has received more than 4,000 applications from businesses around the state. Hartford Business Journal has more.
- Gov. Lamont said that he is continuing to push the insurance companies to provide a 60-day premium deferment. FOX61 has more.
- The Governor said yesterday that the state will be waiving the plastic bag fee during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Businesses and nonprofits considered essential during this time have been enumerated by the DECD here.
- Gov. Lamont has asked the private sector to help supply the state with personal protective equipment (PPE). The state’s request for PPE can be found here.
- Access Health CT added a special enrollment period for those uninsured that began March 19 and continues until April 2. Coverage begins April 1.
Positive COVID19 tests to date: 1,291
For ongoing coverage on all things CT newsrooms and coronavirus, visit our special coverage page.
