More Than 100,000 Connecticut Residents Have Received Two COVID-19 Vaccine Doses
As of February 4, Connecticut has administered 459,257 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the state reaches another milestone – 101,238 people have received two doses of the vaccine, another 358,019 first doses administered so far. Connecticut remains fourth nationally in vaccination rate, with nearly half of all individuals over the age of 75 having received at least their first dose. Appointment cancellations spurred by Monday’s snowstorm will be recovered and made-up for by next week. In promising news, the state’s federal supply of vaccine doses will increase 17 percent next week, with Connecticut receiving an extra 5 percent increase in its allocation and pharmacies around the state receiving the equivalent of 12 percent of typical dose delivery.
Lowered COVID-19 Rates Lead to Lifted Restrictions
As the state’s rate of COVID-19 spread is slowing in recent weeks, the state has updated several restrictions. Houses of worship can now hold services at 50 percent capacity, with no specific cap on attendees past that point, though face masks and social distancing will still be required. Additionally, the state’s business curfew has been extended from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., though other business safeguards will remain in place for now.
Driver’s License, Non-Driver ID Cards Can Now Be Renewed Online
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles now has new services allowing residents to renew their driver’s licenses and non-driver ID cards online, without needing to visit an office. During a soft launch of the process since December, more than 20,000 individuals have already been able to successfully renew online. The option was previously offered to residents whose licenses or IDs expired within the last 45 days. Eligible residents will receive invitations by post or email to complete their transactions online, after which their new ID or license will be sent by mail with receipt within 20 days.
SNAP Benefits for College Students Extended
SNAP eligibility benefits are being temporarily expanded to help students enrolled at least part-time in an institution of higher education. Students who are eligible must either be eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year, as determined by the university or have an expected family contribution of $0 in the current academic year. Students who meet one of the two criteria may receive SNAP if they meet all other financial and non-financial SNAP eligibility criteria. The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted.
Under SNAP regular rules, only students who participate in state or federally funded work study are eligible. The exemption expands SNAP eligibility to students who are eligible to participate in work study during the regular school year, without the requirement that they actually participate. For more information, you can click here.
Compost and Rain Barrels For Sale In Middletown, Old Saybrook
The Middletown Public Works Department and Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments are selling composting and rain barrels for pickup on Sunday, April 11, allowing anyone with interest in better recycling their waste or collecting rain water to reduce consumption and save money to do just that. If interested, please visit https://rivercogcompostersale.ecwid.com/ to place an order; orders must be received by April 8.
Masked, socially distanced pickups will be available Sunday, April 11 at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Walnut Grove Road in Middletown from 9 to 11 a.m. and at Old Saybrook’s Tractor Supply at 401 Middlesex Turnpike from 1 to 3 p.m.; customers must choose the location they wish to pick up at while ordering.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Possible During Strong Snowstorms
This week’s strong snowstorm means it’s important to keep an eye on the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can quickly strike and cause serious injury and even death. Malfunctioning furnaces, improper use of fuel-burning equipment, improperly placed portable generators and indoor use of charcoal grills, especially in the event of power outages, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Please take steps to ensure your equipment will remain safe.
