By Norm Needleman, State Senator.
Please take a couple of minutes to read an update regarding unemployment assistance and several new developments in our towns.
Lost Wages Assistance Extended To Six Weeks; First Payments Coming This Week
The Department of Labor announced that the Lost Wages Assistance Program, which will temporarily provide benefits of $300 per week to unemployment claimants who lost work due to COVID-19, will make its first payments this week. Certification for the program is open and a total of six weeks of assistance is now available, up from an initially expected five weeks. Existing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claimants will automatically receive this funding; new unemployment claimants and existing state and extended benefit claimants must self-certify through state unemployment assistance programs.
FEMA Extends Approval of Non-Congregate Sheltering Program through Oct. 1
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a 30-day extension of the non-congregate sheltering authorization under the FEMA Public Assistance program through October 1, 2020. This program provides non-congregate housing to certain high-risk individuals, including those who have COVID-19 or have been in contact with individuals who have the virus. The program covers non-congregate housing for people who are at high risk of exposure in public service, individuals in at-risk facilities, such as group homes, nursing homes, long-term care sites, and alternative care facilities, first responders and health care workers who have been exposed and cannot return home, homeless individuals in congregate shelters, and individuals in domestic violence shelters.
Virtual Opioid Addiction Workshop September 23
On September 23 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce will hold “The Opioid Epidemic Within The Pandemic,” a virtual workshop discussing opioids, their effects, negative impacts of addiction and important ways to fight addiction while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Health officials fear the circumstances of the pandemic will put more stress on individuals managing addiction, putting more people at risk. To register and learn how to help fight drug addiction, please visit www.middlesexchamber.com.
Rare Bacteria Discovered In Several Connecticut Residents
A rare bacteria, vibrio bacterium, has been discovered in five state residents recently in an announcement made by the Department of Public Health. While this bacteria is not widespread, the infection was found in several recent visitors to the Long Island Sound. Health officials noted there are not normally this number of infections caused by the bacteria, which has been traced to salt or mixed salt-fresh water in the Sound. While all five patients were hospitalized, none have died and health officials said the bacteria likely infected them through re-existing wounds. Health officials stressed the threat to the public is low, but recommended staying out of saltwater or brackish water if you have wounds or to cover wounds with bandages if they could contact brackish water. They also recommend continuing to follow proper hygiene.
