For the first time in weeks, Connecticut’s rate of Covid-19 infections has inched up slightly to 1.2% from about .08%, while outbreaks at universities are still below 1%, according to Governor Lamont.
While the flare ups have been relatively minor, Lamont said he is enhancing enforcement for those who violate rules requiring masks and limiting the size of indoor (25) and outdoor gatherings (100). The new fines for violating these rules include:
- $100 for violating mask order.
- $500 for organizing event that exceeds size limits
- $250 for attending event that exceeds size limits.
The Governor also indicated that expanded visitations will begin soon at nursing homes to help residents who have suffered from prolonged isolation during the pandemic.
Also, the state Department of Labor announced today that the federal Lost Wages Assistance program, has been extended another week for a total of six weeks. The program will provide an additional $300 per week benefit for eligible claimants who were unemployed or partially unemployed due to Covid-19. Certification for the program is open to new unemployment claimants and existing state and extended benefits claimants, who are required to self-certify.
A total of six weeks of Lost Wages Assistance will be paid in addition to regular unemployment weekly benefits and will be retroactive to the claim week beginning July 26, 2020. It will also be available for claim weeks beginning August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2020. Claimants will receive the $300 supplemental payment in several installments beginning September 17th.
Finally, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Paul Mounds, indicated that he has been in discussions with legislative leaders about a finite list of priorities and bills they would like to address during an upcoming special session. He added that they would like to make a call for a special session by week’s end. We’ll will keep you posted as dates and agendas are firmed up.
