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 today, April 17 and coverage will begin May 1.
- A tragic milestone for CT: COVID-related deaths surpassed 1,000 today at 1,036.
- Governor Lamont yesterday revealed criteria necessary to reopen the state: a 14-day decline of cases and hospitalizations; mass testing, contact tracing and self-isolation; adequate PPE and healthcare; and a continuation of social distancing practices are some of the key criteria. The three main strategies of reopening under consideration are: opening by region, by industry and/or by age/risk groups. The reopening advisory group includes former Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi and Department Chair and Professor of Epidemiology at Yale Dr. Albert Ko.
- Amazon has hired 1,600 in the state and is planning to hire 1,400 more workers, according to Hartford Business Journal.
- Gov. Lamont has said that everyone should be wearing masks when in public and continues to urge social distancing, even when out at state parks and beaches. Stop & Shop now requires store employees to wear masks. Update: An executive order regarding masks is forthcoming, according to Gov. Lamont.
- RiteAid to provide self-swab COVID-19 testing in seven states including CT. More here.
- CVS, in partnership with Abbott Laboratories, opened a rapid testing site in New Haven at 60 Sargent Drive, the former Gateway Community College. New Haven Register has more.
- Relief measures for residential 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: 16,809
For ongoing coverage on all things CT newsrooms and coronavirus, visit our special coverage page.
