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 deadline is April 17 and coverage will begin May 1.
- Governor Lamont said at his daily press briefing that unemployment claims now make up 15% of the state’s workforce and we could be moving toward a 20% unemployment rate.
- Gov. Lamont participated in a press conference yesterday with the governors of NY, NJ, DE, RI and PA during which the governors announced a joint council for opening the states’ economies. “The coordinating group – comprised of one health expert, one economic development expert and the respective chief of staff from each state – will work together to develop a fully integrated regional framework to gradually lift the states’ stay at home orders while minimizing the risk of increased spread of the virus,” according to the press release. Governor Charlie Baker of MA joined the collaborative effort yesterday afternoon.
- Protections for renters in CT can be found here.
- You can find the Governor’s safe workplace rules for essential businesses here.
- The Hartford Courant has a special remembrance page for those who died in CT. Hearst CT Media Group also has a page dedicated to the lives lost from COVID-19.
- “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. 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: 13,989
For ongoing coverage on all things CT newsrooms and coronavirus, visit our special coverage page.