Department of Aging and Disability Services provides guidance on the reopening of senior centers
The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services today released a document providing guidance for senior centers that will allow for the safe reopening of their facilities. The guidance was developed in partnership with senior centers, municipalities, and state and local health representatives. It is intended to provide senior centers with the discretion to expand the virtual programs and services that they have been providing during the pandemic beginning September 1.
Guidance provided to senior centers as they begin their reopening planning includes:
- Capacity limits
- Cleaning protocols
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment
- Contact Tracing
- Training and Certification
The entire reopen guidance document can be found on the Department of Economic and Community Development’s website under Phase II of the reopen guidelines. Each local senior center throughout the state will be making their own individual decisions regarding specific opening timelines and available programs.
Connecticut producers urged to enroll in Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is urging farmers and producers in the state to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance program to provide vital financial assistance to absorb sales losses and increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Monday, August 17, 2020, approximately 100 applications for Connecticut producers have been approved, totaling $6.88 million in payments.
The USDA is accepting applications now through September 11, 2020. Producers should apply through the Farm Service Agency at their local USDA Service Center.
In response to comments and data received by the public, USDA announced on July 9 that it would make more than 40 additional specialty crop commodities eligible for the program. Nearly 60 additional commodities were announced on August 11, including additions to specialty crops and livestock along with the inclusion of nursery crops and cut flowers, aquaculture, and certain types of eggs. In addition to these newly eligible commodities, USDA also expanded funding categories for several commodities and adjusted payment rates for others.
For more details on the program, click here.
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