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.
Here are the major news updates from today:
- Access Health CT has extended the window for those uninsured to sign up for insurance. The previous deadline was April 2. The new deadline is April 17 and that coverage will begin May 1.
- Regarding rapid testing: “Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said he spoke with executives at Abbott ID Now last week and they are ‘rolling out the testing in Fairfield County,'” according to CT News Junkie.
- Gov. Lamont said at his daily press conference that he will be issuing a “safe work order” for the manufacturing industry to provide enforceable social distancing and COVID-19-related guidelines for those workers.
- CT hospitals have started using the anti-malaria drug chloroquine “out of desperation.” The Hartford Courant has more.
- “Sema4, a Stamford-based company, said Monday it will analyze thousands of coronavirus tests, joining a cohort that includes Jackson Labs of Farmington and other private labs” to boost testing capacity, according to CT Public Radio.
- “The Connecticut Historical Society needs your help documenting life during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.” The Hartford Courant has more.
- Brewery, winery and other liquor permit holders may now home deliveries now available per the Governor’s executive order. Hartford Business Journal has more.
- DEEP has released stricter guidelines in response to the high volume of visitors at state parks and trails. More information from DEEP here. UPDATE: Because people are finding it difficult to maintain effective social distancing measures at certain public parks, DEEP has been announcing various closures as needed on social media.
- For information about the CT Dept. of Banking’s 90-day grace period for mortgages, visit the state site 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.
- Volunteers are needed around the state. Find out more information here.
Positive COVID19 tests to date: 7,781
For ongoing coverage on all things CT newsrooms and coronavirus, visit our special coverage page.
