By State Senator, Norm Needleman.
CT CARES Small Business Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Applications are now being accepted for the CT CARES Small Business Grant Program. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits struggling due to the economic impact of COVID-19 can apply to receive a one-time $5,000 grant to help cover expenses including utilities, payroll, and costs associated to ensure compliance with CT Reopen Business Sector Rules.
Click here to access the online application, view the eligibility qualifications for the program, and other resources.
Bluetooth Cell Phone COVID-19 Exposure Tracking Now Available in Connecticut
The state Department of Public Health has implemented technology available in cell phones to better track and trace potential exposure to COVID-19. “Exposure Notifications,” a feature added to iPhones and Android devices earlier this year, uses a phone’s Bluetooth technology to anonymously trade ID tags with other phones; on Android devices, an app performs the same function. That means if an individual tests positive for COVID-19 and they report that positive test in their phone, other individuals who were potentially exposed will be alerted.
This feature is opt-in, meaning it is voluntary and not required. Anyone who opts in, however, can receive anonymous and direct alerts informing them of potential infection, helping them enter quarantine or get a COVID-19 test, reducing spread of the virus. The anonymity of the feature allows for easier contact tracing without identifying specific individuals.
How To Opt-In:
- On iPhones and iOS devices, go to “Settings,” then tap “Search.” Typing either “COVID-19” or “Exposure Notifications” will bring up the “Exposure Notifications” settings. From there, a user can turn on the feature, saying they are in the United States and in Connecticut. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they can report it anonymously in the app. The Department of Public Health will then notify anyone whose Bluetooth information indicates they were exposed to that person beyond public health guidelines – in Connecticut, they will be contacted if exposed to a COVID-positive individual within six feet for 15 minutes or more.
- On Android devices, the service is an app called “COVID Alert CT,” downloadable from the Google Play store. By downloading this app and approving its settings, a user opts in.
November is American Diabetes Month
This month is dedicated to raising awareness and getting educated about diabetes. It is a time to find resources that will help with the millions of people who are living with diabetes. More than 11 percent of Connecticut residents live with diabetes and another 36 percent of residents have elevated blood glucose levels considered “prediabetes” that are higher than average. To learn more about Diabetes and treatment, you can click here.
Without justifiable changes, the cost of insulin has gone up 10 percent annually on average, with one in four Americans skipping or rationing doses to afford the lifesaving medicine. The lifesaving drug can cost hundreds of dollars for a month’s supply in some circumstances. That’s why, this summer, I joined my fellow legislators in the Senate Democrats Caucus to pass legislation putting a hard cap on the out-of-pocket costs insurance can charge for insulin and diabetes medical supplies, and we will continue finding ways to help those impacted by high medical costs.
High School Students Encouraged to Join Cybersecurity Competition
High school students statewide are encouraged to join CyberStart America, a national cybersecurity competition showing the options and opportunities available in the computer science and cybersecurity industries. Sponsored by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation and the SANS Institute, this program is free to enter and all students are invited to compete for scholarships, prizes and recognition. CyberStart America features a series of online challenges that teach code-breaking, networking and digital forensics skills, among others, to students. Schools where at least five students complete at least six challenges will win access to a “CyberStart Game” for their students, while at least 600 scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded nationally, at least six of them guaranteed to Connecticut students. Financial awards and classroom awards for teachers with high participation are also available. Registration is available at www.CyberStartAmerica.org.
Local “Stuff-A-Cruiser” Events Benefitting Charities
Several “Stuff-A-Cruiser” events in local towns will see charity donations going to help members of the local community.
- The annual Deep River Stuff-A-Cruiser event will be held this weekend at the Adams Hometown Market parking lot at 193 Main Street, Sunday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The effort to fill a police cruiser with food ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday will ensure local families will be able to enjoy home-cooked meals for weeks to come.
- Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth and the Haddam Resident Trooper’s Office will hold a Stuff-A-Cruiser event Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., seeking donations of gifts, toys, gift cards or financial contributions supporting local families with young children and teens.
- Westbrook Outlets will hold a Stuff-A-Cruiser event Saturday, December 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the front parking lot, filling the cruiser with new and gently used clothing to benefit Westbrook Social Services.
New Sports Guidance
The Department of Public Health released new guidance for organized winter sports, including youth and adult club sports and private leagues. The guidance is based on a risk assessment for COVID-19 and includes a description of the risk categories for sports. To see the full sports guidance document, you can click here.
