In what will likely become a regular routine, Governor Lamont today held a news conference to bring the media and public up to speed on the status of COVID-19 operations statewide.
At 8 p.m. this evening all non-essential businesses have been directed to close, and for those businesses that have been deemed essential, if there are employees that could work from home they should, Lamont said. In other words, only essential employees in the businesses deemed essential are allowed to continue operating, but they should also be practicing proper distancing and disinfecting protocols.
Governor Lamont also announced that:
- The state has reported 415 positive cases of COVID-19 and 10 fatalities as of today.
- Schools will remain closed until April 20th.
- The Partnership for CT will be making available 60,000 laptops for CT students in need to keep online learning a priority.
- He continues to work with hospital CEOs to identify additional capacity at nursing homes and on college campuses if necessary.
- He is in constant touch with other governors, the CT Congressional delegation, mayors, small businesses and community leaders trying to coordinate and anticipate needs.
- The U.S. Senate has still not come to a resolution on a third stimulus package, but that he and other governors have advocated for block grants. He said Connecticut would give priority to unemployment compensation and hospitals when money from the feds becomes available.
