UPDATE (3/31/2020): Click here to read Lucy Dathan’s Coronavirus Stimulus Package FAQ
UPDATE (3/28/2020): Click here to read an important message from Lisa Shanahan and Tom Livingston
UPDATE (3/26/2020): Click here to view the latest message about COVID-19 from State Representative Lucy Dathan
Click here to view a message about coronavirus from the City of Norwalk
A message from State Representative Lucy Dathan:
| “Dear Neighbor, I wanted to update you on the measures Connecticut is taking regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) and discuss what you can do to keep your homes and workplace as illness-free as possible. First, it is important to point out that the U.S. House of Representatives approved an $8.3 billion package to help states respond to the virus. The Senate is expected to vote on the emergency funding bill this week which President Donald Trump is expected to sign. |
| The Norwalk and New Canaan health departments are closely monitoring Coronavirus and preparing in the event of a case in our area. To get the latest information from CT please go www.ct.gov/coronavirus Dr. Michael Parry, head of Stamford Health’s infectious disease department, will be speaking about the Coronavirus at the New Canaan Library on Wednesday, March 11 at 3PM. This Morning at the Legislative Office Building , the Public Health, Appropriations, and Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committees held an Informational Forum Regarding Coronavirus Preparedness and the State issues coming up around the virus. |
| Leaders of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been in constant communication about preparedness and an action plan if and when a case is confirmed in our state. DPH has set up a dedicated web page. These cross-agency discussions also include our neighboring states (cases have been positively identified in New York and Rhode Island). The DPH laboratory in Rocky Hill has received the proper federal clearance to commence testing for the virus which will allow for an accelerated response in the event of a positive case in Connecticut. Connecticut residents should take the necessary precautions as outlined by the CDC. Coronavirus symptoms can include: fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, shortness of breath |
| Please note the CDC has issued a travel advisory. The CDC is advising anyone returning from a country designated as Level 3 – China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea – to self-monitor in their homes for 14 days upon returning to the United States. Anyone returning from a country designated as Level 2 – which currently includes Japan – should limit their interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States. The CDC also recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to countries designated as Level 2 and Level 3. |
| If you have concerns, or you are experiencing symptoms the best thing to do, is to contact your Primary Care Provider and let them know of your systems. They will advise what the next steps are, and they can then prepare for you to be seen. Please do not reach out to health departments as they are working directly with the municipalities and the first responders to respond to emergency situations. Finally, whether traveling or not, the best way to avoid coronavirus is to avoid exposure. Below are some important tips to consider: wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds; if unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol; avoid close contact with people who are sick; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Stay home when you are sick; cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. As always, please continue to reach my office at by email at lucy.dathan@cga.ct.gov, or 800-842-8267 and be sure to “like” my Facebook page for regular updates. Sincerely, Lucy Dathan State Representative” |