As of today, Friday, May 15, the governor’s office is reporting that a total of 36,085 Connecticut residents have contracted the COVID-19 virus, another 621 positive cases since yesterday. There have now been a total of 3,285 COVID-19-associated deaths in Connecticut, which is 66 more deaths since yesterday. 1,033 patients are currently hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, which is 70 fewer than yesterday. Connecticut has now conducted a total of  155,908 tests on our population, including 6,346 just yesterday.

For a town-by-town breakdown and other COVID-19 statistics, please visit: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus

Data On Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility With COVID-19 Positive Patients
The latest statistics regarding nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Connecticut regarding COVID-19 infections have been released. To see a listing of confirmed cases and deaths in nursing homes as of Wednesday, May 13, click here; to see a listing of assisted living facilities as of May 13, click here.

Self-Certification for Businesses Open Prior To May 20
Businesses eligible to open on, or soon after, the state’s target date of May 20 are required to self-certify to demonstrate they understand and will comply with COVID-19 rules and regulations, with the self-certification process available at business.ct.gov/recovery. Businesses including restaurants (for outdoor dining), hair salons and barbershops, offices, retail and malls, and museums and zoos are eligible to self-certify ahead of the May 20 reopening date. Upon completing the certification process, companies are encouraged to download safety signs and badges to display at their businesses or websites, though utilizing those materials is voluntary.

Paycheck Protection Program Still Has Money To Lend
According to the Small Business Administration, the federal Paycheck Protection Program still has money to lend, with fewer issues remaining in the program’s application process. While the PPP, as it is referred to, had a difficult first round of emergency relief given to companies with fewer than 500 employees to keep workers on payroll, the second round of funding reportedly has significant funds remaining. Loans will be forgiven if lenders keep workers on payroll for eight weeks and loan proceeds were used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities. SBA leaders said this week that the second round of PPP funding, valued at $320 billion, is still holding steady, with average loan sizes dropping reflecting more small businesses receiving applications. That means small businesses are seeing more success with loan applications. The smaller loan amounts also imply more funding will remain available for the small businesses needing it most. As of May 13, as much as $120 billion remains uncommitted to small businesses. If you are a business owner seeking to apply for a PPP loan, please visit this website.

CT Business Reopening and Recovery Center Website
The state has introduced a new Business Reopening and Recovery Center website amid efforts to reopen the state beginning May 20. This is intended to be a one-stop resource for any business owner preparing to reopen as we enter the next stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The website, accessible here, includes features like a self-certification option for businesses to say they are following strict safety guidelines to keep employees and customers safe; information on which businesses will be eligible to reopen as soon as May 20; business resources for owners including current restrictions, business assistance and relief rules, licensing and permitting guidance and employee support. It also includes recent news updates from state officials regarding next steps in the reopening strategy.

50,000 Infrared Thermometers To Be Distributed To Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Places of Worship
The state will begin distributing 50,000 infrared thermometers it has secured to eligible small businesses, nonprofits and places of worship to support safe reopening activities amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Any small business, nonprofit or place of worship seeking to request equipment from the state’s supply of infrared thermometers should fill out an online form; the state is partnering with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and CONNSTEP, its affiliate, to distribute the thermometers. They will be delivered to municipalities where organizations are located; municipalities will then contact specific organizations to tell them when and where to pick up the requested equipment.

Infrared thermometers can be used to check employees or visitors for fevers in seconds of time, meaning an individual who may be infected with COVID-19 and does not know can avoid potentially transmitting the virus to other people.

Organizations can request thermometers through ct.gov/coronavirus in the “Access to Personal Protective Equipment” section or through the following links:

  • Small businesses: Any small business in the state that has between 2 and 100 employees are eligible to receive one thermometer per physical address. Eligible businesses seeking to request thermometers should click here.
  • Nonprofits: Nonprofits located within Connecticut are eligible to receive one thermometer per physical address. To request thermometers for nonprofits, click here. Social services and direct care nonprofits may request a thermometer through the process outlined in this memo.
  • Places of worship: Places of worship are eligible to receive one thermometer per physical address. To request thermometers for places of worship, click here.