By Cathy Iino.
Hello, Killingworth-
I am sorry to report that Killingworth has identified two more cases of COVID-19. One is confirmed by a positive test. The other is considered positive because of exposure to a few positive cases and development of symptoms. Both people are self-quarantining. We have offered them help with shopping and other support. Once again, we must assume there are more cases than have been identified. We all need to continue to take every precaution to limit the spread of the disease.
I wish I could report that this will all be over soon, but the current projected peak of medical resources needed in the state is April 24, and it may be somewhat later in our part of the state.
Unemployment insurance. If you lose your job because of the coronavirus pandemic, you should file for unemployment insurance as soon as possible. The exponential growth in the number of claims has backed up the already antiquated processing system at the Connecticut Department of Labor, but it’s important that you get into the system. The state says that if you file electronically, your claim will be processed in days rather than weeks.
Two federal unemployment insurance programs have been created for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic:
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) is a federally funded emergency increase in unemployment benefits. It provides an additional $600 per week to individuals who receive a weekly benefit of at least $1 in unemployment benefits. Individuals do not need to separately apply for FPUC. The state has not yet received guidance on how this program is to work, but you do not need to apply for it separately, and FPUC benefits will be paid retroactively to the first week for which you file for benefits, after March 29, 2020.
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). PUA provides benefits to individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits under state or Federal law, including self-employed individuals, those seeking part-time employment, and individuals lacking sufficient work history, among others. Again, the state is awaiting guidance on how PUA is going to work.
You will find detailed information on the Connecticut Department of Labor website, including a tutorial, a video, and a link to the on-line filing site. If you need help with the on-line filing, please leave a message with your phone number at Town Hall, 860-663-1765, ext. 201, and we will have someone who can help you contact you.
Help for businesses. The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development has set up a COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit to help businesses navigate the array of new and existing resources available to them during this pandemic. Call 860-500-2333 for assistance in identifying appropriate federal and state programs to help your business survive, from disaster relief loans to tax filing extensions.
Open burning. A reminder: residents who wish to kindle an outdoor fire, other than in an outdoor grill, fireplace, or approved incinerator, must obtain a permit beforehand from the Open Burning Official, Ethan Drain, 860-853-8835. Such fires may not be within 50 feet of a building or other structure, and such burning may be conducted only between sunrise and sunset. Because we had so little snow cover this winter, there is still a lot of dead, dry vegetation on the ground, and open burning is not encouraged.
Stay home, stay safe–
Cathy
