OXFORD: Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) And Paint Collection Day

 

OXFORD (NEW HAVEN COUNTY) CT: A Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Paint Collection Day is scheduled for the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Bristol, Cheshire, Derby, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott and Woodbury for Saturday, July 18 from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

The event will be held at the Crosby High School, 300 Pierpont Rd in Waterbury. The collection starts promptly at 8:00 A.M. There is no need to line up before 8:00 A.M.

There is no charge to residents. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, tax bill, or other identification, is required for entrance. The event is sponsored by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments and participating towns.

COVID-19 Event Restrictions:

• Residents disposing of materials must wear a mask and remain in their vehicle
• Only one family member per vehicle
• Collection materials for disposal must be placed in the rear compartment of vehicle, not passenger compartment.
• Containers will not be returned (No ‘pour offs’)

Household hazardous wastes are any wastes produced in the home that are poisonous, flammable, reactive, or corrosive. These wastes are harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. The goal of the program is to keep potentially hazardous waste out of local landfills and sewers, providing extra protection for wetlands and waterways. In addition, residents may now bring latex (water-based) paint to the collection event. While not considered hazardous waste, the latex paint will be accepted as part of a new statewide paint product stewardship program.

Examples of wastes that will be accepted include: Mercury and Mercury thermometers, Drain & Oven Cleaners, Upholstery Cleaners, Poisons, Insecticides, Wood Cleaners, Aerosols, Metal Polishers, Pool & Photo Chemicals, Automotive Cleaners & Fluids, Grease & Rust Solvents, Alkaline Batteries, and Fluorescent Bulbs.

Items that will not be accepted include: Auto Batteries, Motor Oil, Radioactive or Medical Waste, Asbestos, Explosives, and Empty Fire Extinguishers, Compressed Gas Cylinders, Lead Paint Chips. The contractor reserves the right to reject additional materials.

Up to 50 lbs. of residential waste will be accepted per vehicle. Residents should leave materials in the original container whenever possible. When arriving at the collection site, residents are asked to stay in their cars at all times. Trained waste handlers will remove materials from the cars.

Connecticut participates in a statewide paint recycling pro-gram known as PaintCare. PaintCare provides free recycling of architectural paint by placing a small fee on newly purchased paint. Acceptable paints will be collected at HHW events.

Acceptable Paints: Interior and exterior architectural paints, latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based, enamel, deck coatings, floor paints, primers, sealers, undercoatings, field and lawn paints stains, shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, urethanes (single component), waterproofing sealers (except tar or bitumen based), metal coatings, rust preservatives. Containers larger than 5 gallons will not be accepted.

Unacceptable materials will be returned or left in the vehicle and information will be given on how to dispose of them.

For more information visit https://www.southbury-ct.org/events-feed/?FeedID=5685 or call 203-757-0535

SOUTHPORT: State Parks Remain Open with Restrictions; Shoreline Swimming Areas Open; Inland Swimming Areas Closed, Capacity Limits and Social Distancing Guidelines Remain in Place

 

HARTFORD (HARTFORD COUNTY) CT: They also encourage visitors to select locations closest to your home. State parks and beaches near Southport include:

Park	City	Location
Centennial State Forest	Fairfield	Fairfield
Sherwood Island State Park	Westport	Westport

While some of the information is guidance that DEEP has shared previously, the plan contains a good amount of new information, such as DEEP’s current plan for the swimming areas it oversees, and provides a “one stop shop” for the latest information on outdoor recreation offerings administered by DEEP.

As the state begins a phased re-opening of its economy, the vast majority of state parks remain open, as they’ve been throughout the pandemic. The restrictions that they’ve operated under, such as daily capacity limits, social distancing guidelines for visitors, and use of face coverings, also remain in place.

The operational plan can be found here.

Swimming and Beaches:

Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont, along with the governors of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, announced that they would open beaches in their respective states effective Friday, May 22. Gov. Lamont also announced that in Connecticut, state parks that feature beaches along the Connecticut shoreline will be open May 22, though with capacity limitations, and visitors are advised to follow social distancing guidelines.

At this time, DEEP is permitting swimming only at shoreline State Parks (not inland State Park swim areas). Guidance from the state Department of Public Health indicates that recreational swimming is not a known form of transmission of COVID-19, in saltwater or freshwater. At this time, DEEP is making decisions about permitting swimming at State Parks based on considerations of potential crowding and the ability to maintain social distancing onshore, at beach locations.

It is DEEP’s assessment at this time that shoreline parks that feature beaches, operating under limited capacity, can safely accommodate visitors on beaches, provided they follow recommended social distancing guidelines. Visitors to shoreline parks must maintain 15’ of space from other beachgoers (blanket-to-blanket).  This distance will allow for a 6’ radius around each person or family and a 3’ walkway in between groups.

Based on the very limited size of our beach and swim areas at inland state parks, and current social distancing guidance, DEEP will close beaches at inland State Parks, and prohibit swimming at inland State Parks. Again, this operational decision is based on the potential for on-shore crowding, not a concern of risk of transmission in freshwater.  Park staff will monitor beach closure and educate the public to ensure compliance with the closures. DEEP will continue to review this policy in alignment with public health recommendations and will consider the reopening of designated swim areas on a case-by-case basis. 

If you choose to visit a shoreline state park that features a beach, visitors are encouraged to select locations closest to home, and consider visiting early in the morning before crowds gather. At least 6 feet of social distancing must be maintained between persons, and groups over five remain prohibited. Visitors should recreate with members of their immediate household and not meet up with others. Visitors should bring face coverings and use them whenever they are in proximity to others. Face coverings should not be worn in the water. Visitors should not expect that restroom buildings will be open, but most locations will have portable toilets available.  

DEEP will reduce parking capacity and close beaches for the day if social distancing cannot be maintained, and will make adjustments to operations and consider longer-term closures if the situation warrants. Updates on closures are posted on the state parks Twitter feed,@CTStateParks.

Lifeguards will not be on shoreline beaches in Connecticut state parks early in the season.  These beaches are currently posted as "No Lifeguards on Duty."  It is expected that shoreline beaches will begin lifeguarding when adequate staffing, training, and safety practices meeting DEEP standards are in place. Lifeguards will be provided training to reduce the risk of virus transmission in the course of their duties, including providing CPR. Guidance for lifeguards is available from the American Red Cross. Lifeguards will not be posted at inland beaches while swimming is prohibited at those beaches.

Staff in DEEP’s Water Monitoring and Assessment Program will be monitoring water quality at the shoreline parks open for swimming. The water quality at the beaches will be tested for the presence of infectious diseases using standard bacteria indicator species. Residents will be able to find swimming area closure information at DEEP’s state parks Twitter feed, @CTStateParks, and will soon also be able to find that information on the DEEP website athttps://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Recreation-Information/State-Swimming-Area-Water-Quality-Report, or on DEEP’s toll free Water Quality Information Phone Line at 1-866-287-2757.

Connecticut municipalities continue to make decisions regarding the beaches and swimming areas they oversee. DEEP has been in consultation with municipalities during the pandemic, and will continue to be. DEEP’soperational planis available for municipalities to adapt to their needs if they wish to do so.

Limited swimming capacity at state parks, combined with restrictions made by municipalities around the swimming areas they oversee, mean that residents will have to plan beach and swimming excursions well in advance, and be ready with a back-up plan if their first choice is closed.

State Campgrounds, Cabins, and Youth Sites:

As was recently announced, state Campgrounds, Cabins, Youth sites, Backcountry and River Camping sites are closed until at least June 11.  Additional campground reservations for the 2020 season have been postponed for the time being to prevent the need to reimburse the public for future reservations if campgrounds remain closed.

Other options to open campgrounds are being considered that minimize staff and public risk.  The decision will be based on current public health guidance, cleaning protocols and the availability of adequate staff and appropriate personal protective equipment.  

As we move forward into the summer season, DEEP will continue to monitor and assess public use and recreational activities that occur at state parks and other DEEP managed outdoor recreation areas. Evaluation of that information may result in changes to the operational plan. While law enforcement personnel are authorized to enforce social distancing and group size guidance, DEEP seeks to educate first and ask people to follow the rules, in hopes that visitors will take personal responsibility and make sure that they comply. 

To view the operational plan, go here:https://portal.ct.gov/deep-parkscovid19.

CHESHIRE: Allison Kalva An Inspiring Runner

CHESHIRE (NEW HAVEN COUNTY) CT: Sunday, April 26, 2020 was set to be the 9^th annual Ion Bank Cheshire Road Races. However, state and federal shutdowns forced the event to be rescheduled to October 18, 2020.

One dedicated runner was not going to let the postponement of the race stop her from completing the half marathon she had been training so hard for.

Allison Kalva, a junior at Watkinson School in Hartford, trained for months to run her first long-distance race.  It’s no surprise that when the dedicated 17-year-old put her mind to it, she completed her very first half marathon on her own.

However, Allison’s inspiring story doesn’t begin and end with her completion of a half marathon.

It’s her strength and determination outside of running that truly inspires us.

When she was only 11 years old, her father passed away from cancer. 

The passing of her father was understandably a very sad time, but Allison said it gave her a new perspective.

“Obviously, I wish he was here, but I have learned that you can’t change the past, you can learn from it and I believe I am a stronger person because of it,” she said.

About a year ago her mother was diagnosed with cancer.

Allison describes her mother as a fighter, “She has always been a fighter - she is the strongest person I know.”

At the beginning of her sophomore year, Allison turned to running.

She joined her school’s cross-country team and fell in love with the sport. Her friends were all running, so she figured she would give it a shot, and she never looked back.

She loved the team atmosphere and the friends she made through running.

She quickly grew to love the sport, “when I’m not running with my team, I'm running alone, and I have learned to hold myself accountable. I love the self-discipline that comes with running, pushing myself and challenging myself daily.”

Allison was voted team captain during her junior year.

Allison’s goal was to run a half marathon before she turned 17.

Luckily for her, the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Race was set to take place just 5 days before her 17^th birthday.

When the announcement came that the races were being postponed to October, that didn’t stop Allison from completing the run on her own and achieving her goal to run her first half before her 17^th birthday.

On Sunday, April 26^th, the date originally scheduled for the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Races, she took off running.

Allison focused more on finishing the race, rather than her time. With her mom driving around acting as her water stations along her course and cheering her on, Allison finished her first half marathon. 

“Running a half marathon was a big goal of mine and despite COVID-19 I still wanted to run the 13.1 miles even though it meant running it alone. I truly believe everything happens for a reason and when negative things happen, you can learn from them and try to focus on the good. A huge thank you for friends, mom, cross country team and coaches for their support through it all.” 

Allison plans to run the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Races in October with some of her cross-country teammates and coaches.

She’s looking forward to running an official half marathon and plans on continuing to run throughout her life.

The Cheshire Half Marathon Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports charities that assist those with special needs and their families.

This year’s race and their participants will raise thousands for a number of charities including Abilities Without Boundaries, Best Buddies CT, and Cheshire Lions Club. 

The Ion Bank Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K is sponsored in part by Ion Bank, UnitedHealthcare, Porsche Audi of Wallingford and Yale New Haven Health.

SOUTHPORT: Roadmap Outlines Strategy For Accelerating Deployment Of EVs in Connecticut

 

SOUTHPORT (FAIRFIELD COUNTY) CT: Coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day which took place a few weeks ago, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued its Electric Vehicle Roadmap for Connecticut (EV Roadmap), a comprehensive strategy for achieving widespread deployment of electric vehicles in the state, and a key tool in the state’s effort to improve air quality for residents while also addressing the climate crisis.

According to the DEEP, there have been 5,213 Electric Vehicles registered in Connecticut. Electric Vehicles registered in zip codes near Southport include:

Zip	EV Registrations
06880	227
06824	106
06897	93
06883	75
06611	50
06851	49
06825	40
06850	36
06854	31
06612	26
06615	23
06606	20
06855	20
06853	17
06890	17
06605	7
06604	6
06610	4
06607	3
06838	1

The top 10 towns in Connecticut for electric vehicle registrations are:

Town	# Registrations
Greenwich	328
Westport	227
Stamford	181
New Canaan	140
Darien	111
Fairfield	106
Wilton	93
Ridgefield	79
Guilford	77
Weston	75

The top 5 models for Connecticut Registrations of EV’s are:

Model	# Registrations
Tesla	1,218
Chevrolet	1,072
Toyota	1,016
Ford	733
Nissan	389

One of the focus areas of the EV Roadmap is scaling up electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) such as charging stations in order to encourage higher EV penetration rates. “Range anxiety,” or fear that an EV will run out of power before a destination is reached, will diminish as consumers become more confident in charging accessibility. 

There are 376 publicly-accessible EV charging stations with a total of 966 charging connectors in the state, including 50 direct current fast charger (DCFC) locations with 212 charging connectors. A significant increase in workplace Level 2 charging connectors, public Level 2 charging connectors, and public DCFC connectors will be critical to supplement residential charging and meet future charging demands.

The EV Roadmap focuses in on several key areas, including the transitioning of public and private fleets and medium and heavy-duty vehicles to EVs; making the consumer charging experience more consistent; minimizing grid impacts through demand reduction measures; providing demand charge relief for charging station owners and EV fleet operators; exploring opportunities for pilot programs with local innovators in the EV field; working with the state and municipal governments to modify building codes and permitting requirements to support EV infrastructure deployment; and leveraging financial incentives, such as the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR), to help make EV purchase price less of a barrier to consumers.

In issuing the EV Roadmap, DEEP is mindful of the pervasive impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on communities both locally and around the world, the full scale and effects of which, though unknown at this time, are and will be significant. DEEP will continue to monitor the COVID crisis and consider its impact on the long-term goals outlined in the EV Roadmap.
Environmental stakeholders from around the state applauded the EV Roadmap’s release.

To view the EV Roadmap, visit: http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/DEEPEnergy.nsf/c6c6d525f7cdd1168525797d0047c5bf/f7ed4932eec438d0852585520001c81b/$FILE/EV%20Roadmap%20for%20Connecticut.pdf

OLD GREENWICH: The Walk To End Epilepsy Is Going Virtual

 

OLD GREENWICH (FAIRFIELD COUNTY) CT: From May 10 to June 15, walkers can join the Virtual Walk to support epilepsy efforts in Connecticut. Registration is open now at https://www.epilepsyct.com/walk/register.php. A virtual kickoff celebration on Facebook will be held May 10 at 10:00 a.m., so everyone can join in the fun with the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut at facebook.com/epilepsyfoundationct. 

To help Walk for Epilepsy, participants can walk anytime and anywhere between May 10 and June 15. Participants can walk in their neighborhood, on a treadmill, in their yard or anywhere they choose! Be sure to follow the latest CDC guidelines on social distancing to keep you and your community safe. Walkers can fundraise to help support the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut. Whether it is $5 or $500, every dollar counts. Register and create a team page with a team story, photo and donation goal. Share this page with friends, family, and co-workers and ask for their support of people with epilepsy in Connecticut. The top 5 fundraising teams as of June 15th will win a $250 gift card to a restaurant of their choice! The winning teams will be announced during the Closing Ceremony on June 15th.

Participants are asked to share the fun and showcase how they are walking to end epilepsy by tagging photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #WalkToEndEpilepsyCT. T-shirts are available to all registered participants at select safe and secure pick-up locations. 

More than 60,000 children and adults in the state of Connecticut suffer from epilepsy and one out of 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. Epilepsy affects more Americans than autism, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's diseases combined. Sadly, one out of three will have uncontrollable seizures even while on medication. Events like the Walk to End Epilepsy raise important funds for school education services, teaching proper seizure first aid, building community awareness of this common condition and busting myths, government lobbying to protect epilepsy patients and their right to life maintaining medications, and  support programs that help lift patients to a fulfilling life.

Registration and additional information for the Walk to End Epilepsy in Connecticut can be found at epilepsyct.com/walk. For more information visit epilepsyct.com or call 860-346-1924.

HARTFORD: Connecticut Has Reached An Agreement With Over 50 Credit Unions And Banks

 

HARTFORD (HARTFORD COUNTY) CT: Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration has reached an agreement with over 50 credit unions and banks in Connecticut to offer mortgage relief to the state’s residents and businesses who continue to face hardship caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the agreement, the following relief policies are being offered by participating financial institutions:

• 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments: Participating financial institutions are now offering mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days, which will allow homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. In addition, the institutions will:
• Provide a streamlined process for requesting forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
• Confirm approval and terms of forbearance program; and
• Provide the opportunity to extend forbearance agreements if faced with continued hardship resulting from COVID-19.
• Relief from fees and charges for 90 days: For at least 90 days, participating financial institutions will waive or refund mortgage-related late fees and other fees including early CD withdrawals.
• No new foreclosures for 60 days: Financial institutions will not start any foreclosure sales or evictions.
• No credit score changes for accessing relief: For those taking advantage of this COVID-19-related relief, late or missed payments will not be shared with credit reporting agencies.

The agreement, which was negotiated on behalf of the Lamont administration by Commissioner Jorge Perez at the Connecticut Department of Banking, builds upon similar initiatives that have been enacted in recent days in California and New Jersey, and has been endorsed by the Connecticut Bankers Association and the Credit Union League of Connecticut. More than 50 credit unions and banks statewide are participating, including Webster Bank, American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Liberty Bank, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, and Peoples United Bank. Additional financial institutions are expected to join the initiative in the coming days. The Department of Banking will maintain updated list of participating institutions on its website.

“This agreement with our financial institutions will allow Connecticut residents to obtain some relief as this public health emergency has had an impact on thousands of people in our state,” Governor Lamont said. “I thank each of these financial institutions that will provide this relief and applaud their participation in this agreement. The way we are going to get through this crisis is by working together, and this is an example of how we are going to get that done.”

The Department of Banking, along with the state’s banks and credit unions, is reminding residents that their money remains safe during the COVID-19 crisis and protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). No deposits have ever been lost under the protection of the FDIC and NCUA.

“This is a time when we need our entire financial services industry to come together to work tirelessly for the people of Connecticut, which is why I have asked the banks and credit unions to join forces and present one united approach which tells all of Connecticut, ‘We are in this together,’” Commissioner Perez said. “I am pleased to see that these efforts are well underway and that they are helping Connecticut residents work through this challenge.”

Leadership at Connecticut’s credit unions and banks said that they are flexibly meeting member and customer needs everyday on a case-by-case basis in a number of ways that may include fee waivers, access to short-term loans, loan deferrals and uninterrupted access to digital services, even though some credit unions and banks have temporarily limited physical access to their lobbies.

Bruce Adams, president and CEO of the Credit Union League of Connecticut, said, “We view ourselves as the financial first responders in this crisis, and I applaud Governor Lamont and Commissioner Perez for their leadership in partnering with us to provide even more financial solutions for the people of Connecticut.”

Tom Mongellow, president and CEO of the Connecticut Bankers Association, said, “Connecticut banks and credit unions are open for business, and statewide we have quickly and voluntarily responded to Governor Lamont’s and Commissioner Perez’s directives. Our financial institutions continue to ensure the financial well-being of the people and businesses they serve across the state, while protecting the health of their team members and customers.”

Adams and Mongellow are stressing that customers with loans should stay in close contact with their financial institution to identify their particular needs and work on customized solutions. They are also reminding customers that measures to protect people's health and safety continue to be available:

• Drive-through services are available at numerous branches;
• Individual appointments for in-person meetings are available at many financial institutions;
• Call centers employees stand ready to assist customers and members;
• Technology platforms give ready access to online services like bill pay, transfers, remote depositing of checks and ATMs for cash needs; and
• People can use mobile payment channels and debit cards or credit cards to make purchases.
  
  

Questions and Answers on Connecticut’s COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Agreement How do I get mortgage relief and/or forbearance? You should contact and work directly with your mortgage servicer to learn about and apply for available relief. Please note that financial institutions and their servicers are experiencing high volumes of inquiries. How long will the forbearance last?  Participating financial institutions are now offering mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days, which will allow homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. What effect will this have on my credit report? Financial institutions will not report derogatory information (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies but may report a forbearance, which typically does not alone negatively affect a credit score. How long will these programs last? It is still unclear how severe or how long the COVID-19 impacts will be. Financial institutions have committed to necessary relief and will be assessing the ongoing conditions and necessity of continuing relief. What if my financial institution isn’t offering this relief? At this time, Webster Bank, American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Liberty Bank, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, and Peoples United Bank, in addition to over 50 other federal and state-chartered banks, credit unions, and servicers are supporting these commitments. The state will welcome any other institution that would like to meet the moment and provide much-needed financial relief to Connecticut residents. The Department of Banking will publish a list of participating financial institutions on its website in the coming days. What if I already made a payment or was hit with a fee because of COVID-19? These measures go into effect as of March 31, 2020. Is the mortgage relief available to businesses? The relief is currently only available for residential mortgages. What if my mortgage servicer is not communicative or cooperative? You can file a complaint with the Department of Banking through the complaint form on the department website or by contacting the department at 860-240-8299 or 1-800-831-7225 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST Monday through Friday). What impact does the CARES Act have? The CARES Act has important protections for renters and homeowners. In particular, homeowners with mortgage loans that are backed by the federal government through the FHA, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, or other agencies can receive significant forbearance. How about commercial loans and commercial mortgages? Commercial loan or commercial mortgage customers should know that all financial institutions are working proactively with each commercial borrower experiencing challenges. Any bank or credit union commercial customer having financial difficulty, whether for-profit or nonprofit, should call their financial institution as soon as possible. Several important governmental actions have and will provide relief to businesses. The Lamont administration’s quick actions resulted in Connecticut being one of the first states where businesses can access the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) economic injury disaster loan program for up to $2 million dollars. In addition, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development quickly created the Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan program, which will provide up to $50 million of loans to small businesses and nonprofits Importantly, last week Congress passed the important CARES Act, which includes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and will provide loans and grants of up to $10 million, for companies of up to 500 employees. A wide variety of businesses will be eligible for the PPP as soon as next week and they include but are not limited to: private and public businesses, self-employed and independent contractors, nonprofits, veterans’ organizations, and tribal business concerns. Additional information on the PPP should be available from the SBA early next week. In addition to the PPP, banks and credit unions continue to work with their commercial customers on a case by case basis to address the financial needs of their impacted business. We encourage any impacted commercial customers to contact their financial institution.

ROXBURY: Support For Connecticut Food Bank During COVID-19 With A Race Against Hunger

 

ROXBURY (LITCHFIELD COUNTY) CT: Connecticut Food Bank needs the town of Roxbury to help to support their efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic! Food Bank volunteers are working tirelessly during this unprecedented time to feed the hungry throughout Connecticut.

One way Roxbury can support the Food Bank is by participating in The Race Against Hunger, a virtual 5K run and walk that takes place between April 13th - April 19th. Since it’s virtual, you can participate at the time and place of your choosing! Register at www.jbsports.com.

This virtual event is a way for Connecticut runners to stay connected and motivated while keeping our distance! Let’s come together to support those in need during these critical times. Register now to help the state's largest source of emergency food assistance.

The food bank is still open, but hours are modified. Below is a list of Food Banks within 20 miles of Roxbury. Please call because there may be changes.

Date	Time	City	Place
Wednesday, April 8	9:30 AM	Danbury	New Hope Baptist Church
Wednesday, April 8	4:30 PM	Hamden	Hamden Middle School
Wednesday, April 8	5:30 PM	Bethel	Walnut Hill Church
Thursday, April 9	5:30 PM	Naugatuck	Naugatuck Convention Center

Keep checking Connecticut Food Bank’s website and social media for updates for the Mobile Pantry schedule.

Should you have questions, the Mobile Pantry Hotline is updated daily. Call (203) 741-9751 for info.

ORANGE: Walking And Hiking Are Healthy Ways To Reduce Stress During This Difficult Time

 

ORANGE (NEW HAVEN COUNTY) CT: Walking and hiking are healthy ways to reduce stress during this difficult time, but make sure to adhere to social distancing as outlined by the CDC - even when outdoors

Governor Lamont has allowed the trails and grounds of Connecticut State Parks and Forests to remain open for solitary outdoor enjoyment.  If you plan on visiting a park, it should be for solitary recreation, not group activities.

However, please note, to prevent community spread of COVID-19, indoor spaces at State Parks and Forests are closed and public restrooms will be closed at most state parks. 

A list of parks near Orange can be found here:

Park	Location
C.P. Huntington State Park	Redding/Bethel/Newtown
Centennial State Forest	Fairfield
Farm River State Park	East Haven
Farmington Canal Greenway State Park	Cheshire/Hamden
George Waldo State Park	Southbury
Indian Well State Park	Shelton
Kettletown State Park	Southbury
Larkin State Park Trail	Southbury/Naugatuck/Oxford/Middlebury
Naugatuck State Forest	Naugatuck/Oxford/Beacon Falls
Osbornedale State Park	Derby
Paugussett State Forest	Newtown
Putnam Memorial State Park	Redding
Quinnipiac River State Park	North Haven
Rocky Glen State Park	Newtown
Sherwood Island State Park	Westport
Silver Sands State Park	Milford
Sleeping Giant State Park	Hamden
Southford Falls State Park	Southbury
Trout Brook Valley State Park	Easton
West Rock Ridge State Park	Hamden/New Haven
Wharton Brook State Park	Wallingford
Whittemore Glen State Park	Naugatuck/Middlebury

CT DEEP is providing up to the minute information about our parks here

Please plan ahead as many amenities and indoor facilities are closed. Connecticut State Parks and Forests urges you to take the following steps to enhance “social distancing” when enjoying the outdoors:

• If you’re not feeling well, stay home! 
• Rather than traveling to some of the most popular spots, for example, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Sleeping Giant State Park, or Bluff Point State Park, try a park you may not have visited before or one close to your home. Because most park and forest facilities do not have open restrooms, visitors are encouraged to plan a trip to a nearby park for a short, local visit.
• If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, choose a different park or trail, or return another day or time.
• Observe the CDC's minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people, whether you’re walking, biking, or hiking. Practice it and know what it looks like.
• Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell, or horn.
• Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to the park. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and equipment.

All state parks can be accessed by Connecticut residents free of charge, supported by the Passport to Parks program. 

The DEEP will be monitoring visitor capacity at the state’s most popular parks and may reduce the parking threshold to further limit the number of visitors and help to prevent overcrowding. For up-to-date information on park closures, follow @CTStateParks on Twitter.

Please be aware that the opening of camping season at Connecticut State Parks and Forests will be postponed until Memorial Day weekend in May, unless a further delay is required. All campground reservations that were made for stays prior to Memorial Day weekend will automatically be canceled and refunds will be processed. 

DEEP will be closely monitoring state and federal guidelines for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 and will make further adjustments to state park and forest operations as needed. More tips for safe enjoyment of outdoor spaces are available from the National Recreation and Parks Association at www.nrpa.org. 

To keep informed of the latest updates, please visit: Connecticut State Parks, follow us on Twitter @CTDEEPNEWS and @CTStateParks, and facebook.com/CTState

HARTFORD: Connecticut Offers An Early Opening Of The Fishing Season

 

HARTFORD (HARTFORD COUNTY) CT: Governor Lamont signed an Executive Order that included the early opening of the fishing season in Connecticut. With spring showing its early colors, fishing is a perfect outdoor activity. It states:

opening the fishing season early in inland waters will help to limit community spread of COVID-19 by eliminating the large crowds that often accompany the traditional Opening Day of fishing in April

If you are suffering from cabin fever, head to your favorite fishing hole and drop in a line! Remember, even while fishing or engaging in any outdoor activity, social distancing is a MUST. Please remain 6' apart!

During this time of social distancing, fishing should be enjoyed as solitary experience or with members of the immediate household, not as a group activity. DEEP is encouraging all anglers to follow social distancing practices. Anglers should maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, practice good personal hygiene, stay home and away from others if they feel sick, and avoid areas where anglers or others congregate. All other fishing laws and regulations, including requirements for a fishing license and trout and salmon stamp when needed, and all methods, creel limits and length limits remain in effect. More information and a helpful FAQ can be found on DEEP’s website

Please refer constituents to https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/CT-Fishing for more information. We continue to stock trout and plan on completely our spring 2020 stockings.

Below you will find the listings of our stockings so far this spring.

Anglers should also check out our Interactive Stocking map at: 

https://ctdeep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=70d13bc033854b89a87c04b1d11b1a43

You can find a helpful video here: 

https://www.facebook.com/CTFishAndWildlife/videos/1147555402243388/

A list of the fishing spots are listed below:

Around Bridgeport/Danbury/Norwalk/Stamford:

Lakes - Ball Pond, Beardsley Park Pond, Blanchard Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cobbs Mill Pond, Disbrow Pond, Factory Pond, Great Hollow Pond, Housatonic Lake, Isinglass Reservoir (Farmill), Lake Kenosia, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar, Mamanasco Lake, Miller’s Pond, Mohegan Lake, Nells Rock Reservoir, Pierrepont Pond, Saugatuck Reservoir, Shelton Reservoir #2, Silvermine Pond, Squantz Pond, Starrett Pond, Tollgate Pond, Tungsten Mine Park Pond, Twin Brooks Park Pond, West Pequonnock Reservoir
Major Trout Streams – Aspetuck, Byram, Farmill, Mianus, Mill, Morrissey Brook, Norwalk, Pequonnock, Pond Brook, Pootatuck, Rippowam, Saugatuck

Around Hartford/New Britain:

Lakes - Angus Park Pond, Batterson Park Pond, Broad Brook Mill Pond, Brookfield Pond, Congamond Lakes, Freshwater Pond, Howells Pond, Manitook Lake, Rainbow Reservoir, St Martha’s Pond, Salmon Brook Pond, Salters Pond, Silver Lake, Stratton Brook Park Pond
Major Trout Streams – Blackledge, Cherry Brook, Coppermine Brook, Dickenson Creek, Farmington, Fawn Brook, Pequabuck, Podunk, Raymond Brook, Roaring Brook, Salmon Brook, Scantic, Stony Brook, Stratton Brook

Around Middletown/East Haddam:

Lakes - Bashan Lake, Beseck Lake, Black Pond, Cedar Lake, Dooley Pond, Great Hill Pond, Higganum Reservoir, Lake Hayward, Messerschmidt’s Pond, Miller’s Pond, Moodus Reservoir, Pataconk Lake, Pistol Shop Pond, Schreeder Pond

Major Trout Streams – Coginchaug, Hammonasset, Hemlock Valley Brook, Pine Brook, Salmon

Around New Haven/Naugatuck:

Lakes - Axle Shop Pond, Baldwin Pond, Barber Pond, Beaver Park Lagoon, Black Pond, Clarks Mill Pond, Clarktown Pond, Dayton Pond, Hancock Brook Flood Control Pond, Hop Brook Flood Control Pond, Housatonic Lake, Lake Chamberlain, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Saltonstall, Lake Stibbs, Lake Wintergreen, Lake Zoar, Maltby Lakes, North Farms Reservoir, Pages Millpond, Picketts Pond, Prospect Park Pond, Quonnipaug Lake, Scovill Reservoir, Silver Lake, Southford Falls Pond, Upper Fulton Park Pond, Wards Millpond, Wharton Pond, Woodruff’s Pond

Major Trout Streams – Bladens Brook, Branford, Chatfield Hollow Brook, Eight Mile Brook, Farm, Hop Brook, Little, Menunketesuck Brook, Mill, Muddy, Nonnewaug, Pomperaug, Quinnipiac, Sprain Brook, Weekeepeemee Brook, Wepawaug

Around New London/Norwich:

Lakes - Amos Lake, Andersons Pond, Ashland Pond, Aspinook Pond, Avery Pond, Babcock Pond, Billings Lake, Bog Meadow Pond, Day Pond, Dodge Pond, Fitchville Pond, Fort Shantok Pond, Gardner Lake, Glasgo Pond, Godfrey Pond, Gorton Pond, Green Falls Reservoir, Hallville Pond, Hewitt Flyfishing Pond, Hewitt Pond (lower), Hodge Pond, Hopeville Pond, Horse Pond, Lake of Isles, Lantern Hill Pond, Long Pond, Mohegan Park Pond, Norwich Pond, Pachaug Pond, Pataganset Lake, Pickerel Lake, Powers Lake, Red Cedar Lake, Rogers Lake, Savin Lake, Sawmill Park Pond, Uncas Lake, Wyassup Lake

Major Trout Streams – Beaver Brook, Broad Brook, Choate Brook, Eight Mile, Gardner Brook, Green Falls, Hunts Brook, Indiantown Brook, Jeremy, Judd Brook, Latimers Brook, Meadow Brook, Mt Misery Brook, Myron Kinney Brook, Pachaug, Salmon, Shunock Brook, Susquetonscut Brook, Whitford’s, Wood, Yantic

Around Torrington/Winsted:

Lakes - Bantam Lake, Black Rock Pond, Black Rock Flood Control Pond, Burr Pond, Colebrook Flood Control Pond, Dog Pond, East Twin Lake, Hatch Pond, Highland Lake, Indian Pond, Lake Lillinonah, Lake McDonough, Leonard Pond, Mad River Flood Control Pond, Mohawk Pond, Mt. Tom Pond, Mudge Pond, Northfield Brook Flood Control Pond, Northfield Cutlery Co. Pond, Park Pond, South Spectacle Pond, Stillwater Pond, Tyler Pond, Waramaug Lake, West Branch (Hogsback) Reservoir, West Hill Pond, West Side Pond, West Twin Lake, Winchester Lake, Winnemaug Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake, Wood Creek Pond, Zeiner’s Pond

Major Trout Streams – Aspetuck, Bantam, Blackberry, Butternut Brook, Carse Brook, Farmington, Furnace Brook, Hall Meadow Brook, Housatonic, Lead Mine Brook, Macedonia Brook, Mad, Morgan Brook, Morissey Brook, Naugatuck, Nepaug, Pomperaug, Sandy Brook, Shepaug, Still, Whiting

Around Vernon/Mansfield:

Lakes - Bald Mountain Pond, Bigelow Pond, Bishop Swamp, Bolton Lakes, Bolton Notch Pond, Breakneck Pond, Coventry Lake, Crystal Lake, Eagleville Lake, Gay City Park Pond, Hamilton Reservoir, Holbrook Pond, Johnson Pond, Lafayette Pond, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Mansfield Training School Ponds, Mashapaug Lake, Mono Pond, Morey Pond, Shenipsit Reservoir, Somersville Mill Pond, Stateline Pond, Tankerhoosen Lakes, Walkers Reservoir, Whitney Flood Control Pond

Major Trout Streams - Bigelow Brook, Blackledge, Broad Brook, Charter Brook, Crystal Lake Brook, Fawn Brook, Fenton, Furnace Brook, Great Meadow Brook, Hockanum, Hop, Judd Brook, Mt Hope, Natchaug, Quanduck Brook, Quinebaug, Roaring Brook, Scantic, Skungamaug, Tankerhoosen, Willimantic

Around Willimantic/Danielson:

Lakes - Alexander Lake, Beach Pond, Beachdale Pond, Beaver Brook Ponds, Bicentennial Pond, Black Pond, Griggs Pond, Halls Pond, Hampton Reservoir, Keach Pond, Killingly Pond, Lawton Pond, Little Pond, Moosup Pond, Muddy Pond, Paine Pond, Perry Pond, Pine Acres Lake, Quaddick Reservoir, Roseland Lake, Ross Pond, Tetrault Pond, Wauregan Reservoir, West Thompson Lake

Major Trout Streams - Bigelow Brook, Blackwells Brook, Five Mile Brook, Five Mile R, French, Kitt Brook, Little, Mashamoquet Brook, Merrick Brook, Middle, Mount Misery, Muddy Brook, Natchaug, Quinebaug, Shetucket, Snake Meadow Brook, Still, Willimantic

MIDDLETOWN: High School PSA Contest

 

MIDDLETOWN (MIDDLESEX COUNTY) CT: The AAA is running a contest that will allow students to showcase their talents and help communicate a powerful message to drivers of all ages.

Students have until May 15 to enter in the AAA Northeast Video Contest for your chance to win more than $11,000.

They are looking for original videos addressing the risks of marijuana-impaired driving.    

The winning videos will be shared on AAA Northeast’s social channels and on our website starting in June.

The contest is open to students in grades 9- 12 from cities and towns in the AAA Northeast territory.*

Enter the contest HERE.

If you have an Instagram account, follow @AAANortheast! They will be announcing the finalists on this platform.  And, if you have Facebook or Twitter, follow them there, too.

RIVERSIDE: Happy National Puppy Day

 

RIVERSIDE (TOWN OF GREENWICH) CT: Today, we celebrate puppies. Those furry bundles of unconditional love that bring so much joy to humans. We need that now more than ever.

"Rescue don’t shop" is the best rule of thumb when looking for a new pet.

Pet adoption is quickly becoming the preferred way to find a new puppy according to the Humane America Animal Foundation. The benefits of adopting a dog through a reputable agency over buying include:

• More affordable
• Most pets are housetrained
• All shots and vet appointments up to date

Adopt a Pet is North America's Largest Non-Profit Pet Adoption Website. You can find pets to adopt near Riverside by clicking on this link.

https://www.adoptapet.com/pet-search?clan_id=1&geo_range=50&location=Riverside,%20CT

Adopt a Pet recommends finding out the ideal pet personality for you. Does the puppy fit with your lifestyle? With small kids?

Want to help in other ways?

1. You can look for volunteer opportunities here: https://www.adoptapet.com/volunteer/opportunities
2. Use social media to share pets up for adoption
3. Donate

YANTIC: Some FAQ About The Coronavirus Pandemic

 

Testing places

The following is a list of testing hospitals within 25 miles of Yantic recommended by the Governor of the State of Connecticut.  Please understand that you must first call your doctor before going to these testing sites.

Hospital
Lawrence Memorial Hospital, New London, CT

TESTING FOR COVID-19 

Question: How do I know if I should be tested for COVID-19, and where do I go to be tested? 

Answer: 

If an individual has a fever (greater than or equal to 100.0°) and a cough, or shortness of breath, please call your primary care provider for information regarding local testing locations. You will need an order from your primary care physician to be tested for COVID-19. If you do not have a primary care provider, and you have the symptoms of COVID-19 (a fever greater than or equal to 100.0°, and a cough or shortness of breath) please go to an urgent care center or to a federally qualified health center to get a doctor’s order to be tested.

TESTING CAPACITY AND SUPPLY OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Question: What is the state doing to ensure that there is adequate capacity for COVID-19 testing and a sufficient supply of protective equipment? 

Answer: 

Connecticut ordered personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Strategic National Stockpile. Due to high demand these items were on back order and so the supplies are expected to arrive March 19-20, 2020. Connecticut received significantly less than requested (only 14 percent of the initial request). State government agencies are implementing a plan to most efficiently distribute the equipment throughout the state. At the direction of Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the State of Connecticut has activated a framework for donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury or infection that are utilized by people providing healthcare services.

RESTRICTIONS ON WORKPLACES FOR NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES

All workers at non-essential businesses in the state shall work from home. The governor is encouraging all businesses to employ, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work-from-home procedures that they can safely implement. The governor’s order excludes any essential business or entity providing essential services or functions, such as healthcare, food service, law enforcement, and similar critical services.

SCHOOL CLOSURES 

Question: Is my child’s school closed, and if so, until when? 

Answer: 

Governor Lamont has determined that to promote and secure the safety and protection of children in schools related to the risks of COVID-19, all public school classes will be canceled for all Connecticut students effective Tuesday, March 17 until at least March 31, 2020, and is encouraging private schools to follow the same schedule. As a result of evolving circumstances, the Governor has modified Executive Order 7 to account for the potential impact on schools that may be subject to longer-term cancellation of in-school classes and permits districts, upon reopening in the spring of 2020, to close schools on their normally scheduled end-dates, so long as local and regional boards of education provide 3/21/20 11 opportunities for continuity of education to all students to the greatest extent possible and consistent with federal and state guidance. 

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTING

Question: Will Advanced Placement (AP) tests still be administered this spring? 

Answer: 

The College Board, administrator of Advanced Placement exams, is offering students access to free, live AP review lessons, delivered by AP teachers from across the country beginning on Wednesday, March 25th. These optional, mobile-friendly classes are designed to be used alongside work that may be given by schools. These classes will also be available on-demand, so teachers and students can access them at any time. These online classes are not dependent on current AP teachers continuing instruction as we know many AP teachers now face challenges that would make that impossible. Additionally, for the 2019-20 AP Exam administration only, we’re developing secure 45-minute online exams for each course. These streamlined digital exams will not require any test booklet shipments, external proctors, or any additional workload for schools. The exam content will focus on what most schools were able to complete by early-March. For each AP subject, there will be two different testing dates. By April 3rd, we’ll publish the full exam schedule including the specific free-response question types that will compromise each AP exam. Please find more details at: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/

CHILDCARE

Question: Will my child’s daycare center stay open?

Answer:

The state of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood is not instructing or requiring any program to close. Unless ordered by government officials, programs may remain open by their own determination which may be made considering guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Public Health and/or your local health department or district. Please be in direct touch with your childcare provider regarding plans to stay open or to close. As information regarding COVID-19 is continuing to evolve, the guidance provided by State Agencies is subject to change.

Question: Where can I find childcare if my child’s school is closed? 

Answer: 

Licensed family childcare homes may, within their licensed capacity, provide full-time care to enrolled school age children whose schools have closed due to the COVID-19 virus as done during school vacations. United Way of Connecticut’s 211 Infoline is available to help you locate childcare. You can reach the 211 Infoline by dialing 211 from any telephone, or online at https://www.211childcare.org.

For answers to additional questions including paid sick leave and family medical leave, click here.

WATERBURY: The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage

 

WATERBURY (NEW HAVEN COUNTY) CT: The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak.  “Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood,” the Red Cross says.

Many local blood drives are being postponed, but they are encouraging Waterbury residents to travel.

You can find a Red Cross blood drive in or near Waterbury here.

Please note: you must wait 28 days to donate following travel to China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea, or if you’ve been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. 

Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood.  Right now, eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to give soon. 

Learn about What to Know about Coronavirus and Our Enhanced Blood Donation Safety Protocols

HARTFORD: Governor Ned Lamont released a list of businesses designated as essential. Non-essential businesses are ordered to restrict their in-person workforce from going to work.

HARTFORD (HARTFORD COUNTY) CT: On March 20, 2020, The Governor issued Executive Order 7H, directing all businesses and nonprofit entities in the State of Connecticut to utilize, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely employ. 

That order also directed that, no later than March 23, 2020 at 8 p.m., each non-essential business or nonprofit entity (and therefore not including or applicable to any state or local government agencies, quasi-public agencies, political subdivisions or other entities that do not constitute businesses or nonprofits) shall reduce the in-person workforce at each business location by 100% from pre-state of emergency declaration employment levels. 

Executive Order 7H authorized the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (“DECD”) to provide legally binding guidance about which businesses are essential. Pursuant to that directive, DECD hereby issues the following guidance concerning which businesses and nonprofit entities are “essential” for purposes of Executive Order 7H.  

Nothing in this guidance shall be deemed to modify or supersede any current or future Executive Order that separately and specifically addresses a particular business or activity.  Specific businesses or activities separately addressed by other current or future Executive Orders issued pursuant to the current declared public health and civil preparedness emergency must comply with any such orders unless and until those orders are modified or terminated separately.    

THE ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OR NONPROFITS DESIGNATED IN THIS GUIDANCE are not subject to the in-person restriction set forth in Executive Order 7H.  With respect to non-essential businesses and nonprofits, this guidance applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and the steps they may take to request that designation.  

The guidelines set forth here apply to places of business. Non-essential businesses may continue activities that are conducted off-site (e.g. a customer’s home) and/or by telecommuting or working from home. 

Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 7J, issued on March 22, 2020, 1) non-essential retailers may be staffed on-site, provided that they may only offer remote ordering (e.g. phone, internet, mail, dropbox) and curb-side pick-up or delivery and 2) non-essential businesses and nonprofits to allow staff or third parties on site to the minimum extent necessary to provide security, maintenance and receipt of mail and packages. This includes, but is not limited to, auto, boat, bicycle, recreational vehicle, and all other vehicle sales, if conducted remotely. 

To the extent possible, employees of Essential Businesses whose duties are not critical to an Essential Business function described below should telecommute or utilize any work from home procedures available to them.  

For purposes of Executive Order 7H, “essential business,” means:

---

1. Essential workers in the 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors, as defined by the federal Department of Homeland Security unless otherwise addressed in a prior or future executive order pertaining to the existing declared public health and civil preparedness emergency.

2. Healthcare and related operations including:

• biotechnology therapies
• consumer health products and services
• doctor and dentist offices
• elder care, including adult day care
• health care plans and health care data
• home health care workers or aides
• hospitals
• manufacturing, distributing, warehousing, and supplying of pharmaceuticals, including research and development
• medical marijuana dispensaries and producers
• medical supplies and equipment providers, including devices, diagnostics, services, and any other healthcare related supplies or services
• medical wholesale and distribution
• nursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilities
• pharmacies
• physical therapy and chiropractic offices
• research and laboratory services, including testing and treatment of COVID-19
• veterinary and animal health services
• walk-in-care health facilities

3. Infrastructure including:

• airports/airlines
• commercial trucking
• dam maintenance and support
• education-related functions at the primary, secondary, or higher education level to provide support for students, including distribution of meals or faculty conducting e-learning
• hotels and other places of accommodation
• water and wastewater operations, systems, and businesses
• telecommunications and data centers
• transportation infrastructure including bus, rail, for-hire vehicles and vehicle rentals, and garages
• utilities including power generation, fuel supply, and transmission
• 4. All manufacturing and corresponding supply chains, including aerospace, agriculture, and related support businesses

5. Retail including:

• appliances, electronics, computers, and telecom equipment
• big-box stores or wholesale clubs, provided they also sell groceries, consumer health products, or operate a pharmacy
• convenience stores
• gas stations
• grocery stores including all food and beverage retailers
• guns and ammunition
• hardware, paint, and building material stores, including home appliance sales/repair
• liquor/package stores and manufacturer permittees
• pharmacies
• pet and pet supply stores

6. Food and agriculture, including:

• farms and farmer’s markets
• food manufacturing, processing, storage, and distribution facilities 
• nurseries, garden centers, and agriculture supply stores
• restaurants/bars (provided compliance with all applicable executive orders is maintained)

7. Services including:

• accounting and payroll services

• animal shelters or animal care or management, including boarding, grooming, pet walking and pet sitting 

• auto supply, repair, towing, and service, including roadside assistance

• bicycle repair and service

• building cleaning and maintenance

• child care services

• critical operations support for financial institutions

• financial advisors

• financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and check cashing services

• funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries

• insurance companies

• laundromats/dry cleaning

• legal and accounting services

• mail and shipping services

• marinas and marine repair and service

• news and media

• real estate transactions and related services, including residential leasing and renting

• religious services (subject to Executive Order 7D limiting gatherings to 50 people)

• storage for Essential Businesses

• trash and recycling collection, hauling, and processing

• warehouse/distribution, shipping, and fulfillment

8. Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations including:

• food banks

• homeless shelters and congregate care facilities

• human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care or support social service agencies

9. Construction including:

• all skilled trades such as electricians, HVAC, and plumbers 

• general construction, both commercial and residential

• other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes

• planning, engineering, design, bridge inspection, and other construction support activities

10. Services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of all residences and other buildings (including services necessary to secure and maintain non-essential workplaces):

• building cleaners or janitors

• building code enforcement

• disinfection

• doormen

• emergency management and response

• fire prevention and response

• general maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor

• home-related services, including real estate transactions, closings, appraisals, and moving services

• landscaping services

• law enforcement

• outdoor maintenance, including pool service

• pest control services

• security and maintenance, including steps reasonably necessary to secure and maintain non-essential businesses

• state marshals

11. Vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care, and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public including: 

• billboard leasing and maintenance

• child care services

• essential government services

• government owned or leased buildings

• information technology and information security

• logistics

• technology support

12. Defense 

• defense and national security-related business and operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the US government

If the function of your business is not listed above, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an Essential Business.

Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function as described above, should ONLY be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance.

To request designation as an Essential Business, please click here.

Restrictions on requesting designation as an Essential Business:

• Any business that only has a single occupant/employee (e.g. attendant) is deemed exempt and need not submit a request to be designated as an Essential Business.

If you have further questions not answered above, please submit them to DECD at decd.covid19@ct.gov.