January 25th Updates: Vaccine Distribution, Testing

Priority Workforce Testing
January 26, 2021

We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

Below you can find information on the following topics:

  • Phase 1B Vaccine Rollout Transitions to "Tiered Approach"
  • Priority Workforce Testing Now Available
  • Latest COVID-19 Statistics
  • Some Excellent Fiscal News for Connecticut
  • 2021 Constituent Survey
  • Transition of Power Comes in 59th Inaugural Ceremonies

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.

Phase 1B vaccine rollout transitions to "Tiered Approach"
 
Stages of Phase 1B

Connecticut is expecting about 45,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses on a weekly basis from the federal government. We now know that the State will be taking a tiered approach in Phase 1B as we work to vaccinate the nearly 1.4 million people in the recently update Phase 1B category.

The Department of Public Health will prioritize vaccination appointments based on the risk of adverse health outcomes from the virus. Vaccinations will be implemented equitably with distribution focused in areas where residents and communities have barriers to access and care.

More information about the definitions of frontline essential workers and the list of eligible underlying medical conditions will be made available in the next several weeks.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine or call 877-918-2224 for assistance if you are 75 or older.

Priority Workforce Testing Now Available
 
Thank you for doing everything you can to keep our community safe, especially those in our most vulnerable populations. The State is working hard to make sure our residents have access to the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. While vaccination is a priority—we still need to follow all local and state health guidelines and best practices, including getting tested.
 
Connecticut continues to provide no-cost testing to those who need it, including those living in densely populated areas, those living in congregate settings, or those who don’t have access to insurance. If you fall into one of these categories, you should get tested regularly – especially if you have symptoms.
 
The State recently launched a Priority Workforce Testing program to provide priority access testing for the following workforce categories:
  • Teachers/School Support Staff (including Bus Drivers)
  • Early Childhood/Child Care Professionals
  • Police Officers
  • Fire Fighters
  • Paramedics/EMT
  • National Guard
  • Dispatchers

This program allows those in these categories to get tested quickly without having to interrupt their work day. Please note that this is a limited access program and is not intended for the family and friends of these workers. To find a Priority Workforce testing site near you, visit ct.gov/priorityworkforcetest.

Latest COVID-19 Statistics
 
COVID-19 Chart
Manchester Specific Updates
  • Total Cases (confirmed & probable): 3,566
  • Total Deaths (confirmed & probable): 133

Glastonbury Specific Updates

  • Total Cases (confirmed & probable): 1,500
  • Total Deaths (confirmed & probable): 96

(These are cumulative numbers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut.)

Some EXCELLENT fiscal news for Connecticut
 
While the COVID-19 pandemic has hit all states extraordinarily hard financially, it's important to recognize glimmers of hope when we see them. Which is why I am excited to share with you some excellent news about Connecticut's fiscal picture.
 
Thanks to a record $3 billion in our state's rainy-day fund and responsible state budget practices, Connecticut's consensus revenue estimates from state budget analysts predict a budget surplus of $70 million in Fiscal Year 2021. This is an incredibly positive change as state budget analysts had previously projected a deficit of over $850 million. In addition, the projected deficits for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 were both cut in half.
 
This announcement also impacts the state’s bond cap, which functions as the state’s credit card limit. Under previous estimates, the state would have only been able to bond approximately $200 million next fiscal year. Today our bond cap is closer to $2 billion. This is good news as it allows Connecticut to bond for infrastructure improvements and efforts focused on helping people get back to work.
 
Connecticut is in much better shape than many of our neighbors, with states such as Massachusetts and Texas facing billion dollar deficits. We are certainly not out of the woods yet and our state still faces significant challenges, but this is a step in the direction of progress as we work towards recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
This welcome news is only possible through the smart choices and decisions which were made across government in past years to be prepared for potential emergencies and hardships, and the benefits of those decisions are now coming to pass.
Transition of Power Comes in 59th Inaugural Ceremonies
 
President Biden and Vice President Harris

The transition of power took place in Washington, D.C. last Wednesday when Joseph R. Biden became the 46th President of the United States. It was also an historic day as Kamala Harris became the first woman and first woman of Black and South Asian descent to take the oath as our Vice President.

The transition of power in the United States often reflects a win for one side of the political aisle but generally represents a time for optimism for everyone. Regardless of your position, the start of a new presidential administration represents a time of change and redirection for our country.

The last four years have been wrought with political and ideological division not seen in years, division which culminated in the events that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.

I congratulate President Biden and Vice President Harris on their inauguration and hope that this starts us on the path to healing that we so desperately need.