Cautious Discussions About Reopening For Business: As we muddle our way through the Covid-19 crisis together, voices in business and government have begun discussing what recovery will look like, and how long it will take, and what steps we should plan to take to get there. Governor Lamont has created a Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group, and is coordinating with the governors of six other northeastern states 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.
Although no decisions have been made on how we will reopen our state, here are some expectations based on what has already been said by state officials and public health experts:- Phase 1: Slow the Spread. Business and life will not begin to return to normal until we have the disease under control. Stay-at-home advisories and other orders targeted at reducing the spread of Covid-19 are likely to continue until:
- Local hospitals are safely able to treat all patients requiring hospitalization without resorting to crisis standards of care
- Connecticut is "out of the surge" of the virus, meaning a 14-day decrease in hospitalizations for coronavirus
- Adequate supply of PPE for health care workers and the community
- The capacity exists in the state to test all people with COVID-19 symptoms
- Active monitoring of all confirmed cases and their contacts can be performed (the Governor has indicated that contact monitoring would be voluntary)
- Phase 2: Incremental Reopening. After the weeks or months necessary to attain the above goals, we will be able to begin to reopen in a concerted and careful fashion. The state advisory board says it's considering opening the state incrementally by region and industry. Teleworking (as much as possible), maintaining hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, wearing a mask in public, regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and limiting social gatherings will likely remain the norm until a vaccine is developed.
- Phase 3: Lift Restrictions. Once a vaccine or cure for Covid-19 is developed and tested, it must be manufactured and distributed throughout the country. When this is complete, we will be ready to lift most/all restrictions on public contact and physical distancing.
- Phase 4: Rebuild Readiness. Covid-19 will not be the last public health emergency to threaten American society. We must be ready for the next infectious disease threat.
In the meantime:
Workplace Masks/Face Coverings Now Mandatory: Beginning 8 pm Monday, April 20, all employees must wear a face mask or face cloth covering at all times in the workplace.
Employers are required to issue masks or cloth face coverings to employees.
If that is not possible because of shortages or supply chain difficulties, employers must provide materials—or compensate employees for the cost—to make their own and share the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for making cloth face coverings.
Masks or face coverings are not required if wearing one compromises the health or safety of an employee because of a medical condition. An employee is not required to produce medical documentation in such a case.
Customers must also wear cloth face coverings while on premises. Businesses may provide face coverings to customers and visitors. The medical exemption applies for customers, with additional guidance for children.
The state also revised its rules for Connecticut retail stores, and now requires masks or face coverings for employees and customers.
CBIA has put together an excellent list of resources for workplace safety standards, including this new requirement. Click here to check it out.
Federal Small Business Relief Programs Out of Money: You've probably heard by now that the two main small business relief programs from the CARES Act have run out of money. The Senate may still vote today on a bill adding:- $310 billion more for the Paycheck Protection Program (88% increase)
- $60 billion more for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (350% increase)
- $75 billion for hospitals
- $25 billion for testing
Negotations are currently stuck on a dispute over whether the testing funds should be part of a "comprehensive national testing strategy" including "free testing for all, and expanding reporting and contact tracing," or be given no-string-attached to the states, to afford a "state-driven approach and flexibility." Whatever your opinion on the matter, this dispute is delaying passage of this important legislation. If you do have an opinion, please call and leave a message for our Senators TONIGHT. You can leave a message for Senator Blumenthal at 202-224-2823 and Senator Murphy at 202-224-4041.
Takeout and Win: Support Windsor restaurants for a chance to win prizes!- Order takeout from Windsor restaurants.
- Post a picture of your food on social media with hashtag #WindsorEats (optional!)
- Send a picture of your receipts, totalling $25 or more, to info@windsorcc.org. Every $25 you spend earns you another chance at a $25 gift card! One winner will be drawn every Thursday.
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