By Norm Needleman, State Senator.
Recently, we tragically lost one of our first responders while in the line of duty. New Haven Firefighter Ricardo Torres, Jr. died responding to a fire in the early morning. I ask you join me in expressing condolences to his loved ones. A GoFundMe has been set up to support the Torres family during this immensely difficult time. Also, please keep Lt. Samod Rankins, who was with Ricardo Torres in responding to the fire and is in critical condition due to injuries from it, in your thoughts and prayers for his recovery.
It cannot be emphasized enough the bravery of firefighters and their fellow first responders. When most of us would run away from a fire, they run towards it to save lives and people’s belongings. All of this occurring as they risk their own safety. I know I join so many of you in thanking Connecticut’s first responders for their service and dedication to their communities.
COVID-19 and Relief Programs Update
DPH Releases New Guidance Document Regarding Mask Rules in Connecticut
The Department of Public Health released a new document today updating guidelines regarding COVID-19, mask rules and social distancing, among other significant standards put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mask-wearing rules are relaxed as of May 19 for residents and visitors to Connecticut who are fully vaccinated, meaning those who are at least two weeks past their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The change reflects new information on COVID-19 vaccinations that indicates vaccinated individuals are unlikely to develop COVID-19 and, if they do become infected, are less likely to transmit the virus.
Joint and Crack Sealing On Route 9 In Old Saybrook and Essex May 24 – June 15
The Department of Transportation announced a joint and crack sealing project will be performed on Route 9 northbound and southbound in Old Saybrook and Essex from May 24 to June 15. Motorists should expect lane closures to occur on Route 9 in both directions from I-95 in Old Saybrook to Exit 3 in Essex. Work is not scheduled for May 28 or May 31 due to the Memorial Day holiday. Work at the site will be from 7 a.m to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with state police, vehicles and signing patterns assisting motorists through the work zone.
Department of Transportation Announces Bridge Replacement Work In Deep River May 20-September 25
The Department of Transportation announced construction for the replacement of a Deep River bridge carrying Route 80 over Deep River will run from May 20 to June 10, then from August 26 to September 25, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A full road closure and detour will be in place from June 10 to August 26. Detours will be in place for east- and westbound traffic, traveling from Route 80 East and Warsaw Street to Main Street, then Route 154 North and Route 9 North for eastbound traffic and in reverse order for westbound traffic. The project is expected to be completed in mid-October 2021.
9 Town Transit Offering Free Fare Weekends and Holidays Beginning May 29
From May 29 to September 5, 9 Town Transit will offer free fare weekends on its services through Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, East Haddam, Haddam, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook. Services connect to New Haven, New London and Middletown areas. Visit www.estuarytransit.org for more information.
Community Foundation of Middlesex County Pop Up Grant – Deadline Friday
The Community Foundation of Middlesex County has re-launched its Virtual Pop Up Grant program and its latest round of applications is due tomorrow, Friday, May 21 when its next drawing is held. By clicking here and submitting the name of your favorite Middlesex County nonprofit organization, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a small grant!
“Toward Zero Deaths” Campaign Launched By Department of Transportation
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has launched the “Toward Zero Deaths” campaign, part of the 2021 Strategic Highway Safety Plan. This national strategy, adopted locally, aims to reduce serious injuries and deaths in Connecticut that are traffic-related with an ultimate goal of reaching zero. The campaign matches the highway safety plans, which aims to improve education, enforcement, engineering and emergency response initiatives to enhance safety on the roads. This comes as 2020 saw 308 lives lost on Connecticut roads and highways, the most in a decade.
