COVID-19: Local, State Updates

Westport municipal offices — including Town Hall, the Senior Center and the Parks & Recreation Department office — will remain closed to the public at least through March 31. Public meetings are canceled through at least that date too.

However, staff will be available by phone or email weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. First Selectman Jim Marpe urges residents to be patient regarding response time.

He adds, “The public is also encouraged to utilize the town’s online services, such as paying taxes electronically.” The town’s website is www.westportct.gov.

Town Hall is closed. However, employees will be available by phone and email. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg reports that Governor Ned Lamont is launching a Joint Information Center to coordinate Connecticut’s response to COVID-19.

The goal is to provide residents, municipalities, school districts, hospitals, medical providers, colleges and universities, the business community, the media and others with specific information related to the state’s response to the virus outbreak..

• The JIC can be contacted 24/7 by calling 860-754-8342 or emailing COVID19.JIC@ct.gov
• Information from the JIC will be shared on Twitter at @COVID19CT and Facebook at CT COVID-19 Response.

There are many ways to stay up-to-date about COVID-19:

• CT-N carries the Governor’s press conferences (with sign language)
• Call  211 24/7 with questions about COVID-19
• Text  CTCOVID to 898211 for updates
• Smart Speaker:  Ask for the 411 Coronavirus podcast
• For the blind without TTY capabilities, the CDC and national news updates are shared through the TuneInCOVIDUpdates podcast

Here are resources for small business owners:

• CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers Impacted by Coronavirus
• SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers Impacted by Coronavirus
• SBA Low-Interest Loans to Help Small Businesses Affected by Disasters
• The SBA is currently finalizing disaster declarations related to coronavirus. Once these are released, small businesses can apply. Check the website daily to see if/when Connecticut will be eligible, and/or call the CT SBA Office at 860-240-4700)
• DECD Guidance for Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus

Note also:

• The state Insurance Department commissioner told all travel insurers that they should accommodate travel cancellation requests and take into account the circumstances of the state of emergency.
• State civil statutes prohibit price gouging. The attorney general will be monitoring closely. If you suspect price gouging, file a complaint immediately with the Attorney General’s Office by calling 860-808-5318.
• Eversource has suspended all disconnects for customers until the governor lifts the state of emergency.  This applies to electric, gas and water companies that are not municipally owned.