At his March 17 press update on the COVID-19 situation, Governor Ned Lamont reported that positive cases in the state reached 68 with 48 of those identified in Fairfield County.

To date, there have been no cases confirmed east of the Connecticut River, but Hartford County now has seven cases, with New Haven County logging eight, and Litchfield County at five.

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order taking actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, this one:

1. Makes modifications to the governor’s previously enacted waiver of the 180-day school year to grant broader flexibility to school districts.

2. Allows police departments to limit or eliminate fingerprinting for background checks.

3. Extends expiration dates for permits, licenses, and other credentials administered by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

4. Suspends the requirement that public assistance benefit overpayments be immediately recouped.

5. Suspend in-person hearing attendance requirements for certain hearings conducted by the Department of Social Services.

Also:

*The Department of Economic and Community Development is launching the COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit to aid businesses in economic recovery.

*The Department of Banking issues guidance to state-chartered banks and credit unions

*The Connecticut Hospital Association is working with the Department of Public Health to ensure adequate hospital space to meet the needs of patients.

*As blood drives have been canceled nationwide to mitigate the spread of the virus, the Red Cross of Connecticut is seeking donors to call ahead and make appointments that will allow for social distancing.

*The Office of Early Childhood is actively working to ensure childcare remains available for healthcare staff and first responders.

*The Department of Motor Vehicles is suspending in-person visits at all of their branches. Certain deadlines are being extended, and customers are also encouraged to conduct transactions online.

*The Department of Revenue Services is suspending in-person visits at all of their offices.

*The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is suspending enforcement activities at bottle collection facilities, giving stores discretion to shut them down. They are also suspending in-person visits at their main office.

*Attorney General Tong has received 71 complaints about price gouging on basic supplies.

*The Department of Social Services has suspended in-person visits at all of their facilities.

Connecticut and the other five northeastern states now scheduled to hold presidential primaries on April 28 are also in talks about finding a new date in May or June to accommodate the current ban on large public gatherings due to the novel coronavirus. Any delay in the primary could also force Newtown to change the date of its annual budget referendum.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal told The Newtown Bee that it did not make sense to hold the budget vote on a separate date than the primary, and he was awaiting a decision from Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, who has talked to Gov Ned Lamont about a delay.

The registrars of voters are urging a postponement, and Merrill was scheduled to hold a conference call with the registrars and town clerks Tuesday, followed by a teleconference with the state party chairs. The primary date is set in state law, but Gov Lamont has authority under his public health emergency declaration to waive laws and regulations.

Locally, the town has closed all parks and public playgrounds to help prevent exposure and possible spread of the coronavirus including the dog park. However, the Pole Bridge and Orchard Hill Preserves remain open along with trails at Fairfield Hills for hiking.

Similar to the Municipal Center, Newtown's Public Works and Engineering Department are open by appointment only. The landfill is open regular hours but the office is closed — staff is on site and any necessary transactions with residents are happening through a window slot, officials said.

Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the community, the Edmond Town Hall management has moved to shutter Edmond Town Hall entirely effective 5 pm Tuesday, March 17, until further notice.

"While there are no confirmed cases in Newtown, we will be taking this time to deep clean the building to ensure that the facility remains safe and healthy for the community and staff," said a statement from the facility's Board of Managers. "The office staff will continue to respond to phone calls and e-mails during office hours at 203-270-4285, or manager@edmondtownhall.org.

The local Economic and Community Development Department is working to keep up to date with the changing business environment, and "to strike a balance between communicating important information, and not adding to the immense amount being shared through social media."

"We hope to come up with a comprehensive listing of important information for businesses as things continue to evolve," said Christal Preszler, Deputy Director of Planning, Economic and Community Development.

Contact Preszler for EDC businesses (other than for the SBA information) by e-mailing Christal.Preszler@newtown-ct.gov — or calling 203-270-4282.

Across Connecticut, business closures and a lack of customer traffic is already taking its toll with the State Department of Labor registering more than 22,000 unemployment claims since Monday morning.

The Newtown Chamber of Commerce is doing its part to assist member businesses by sharing a number of key links including the CDC's Interim Guidance for Business and Employers and the CT Small Business Development Corporation's Covid-19 Tips for Small Businesses.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is currently underway at Waterbury Hospital, the New York and western Connecticut Nuvance Health hospitals, and Bridgeport Hospital. All testing is being done only with a physician's order — contact your health center of preference or the facility's website below for specific instructions only if you have a doctor's order for testing.

*For Waterbury Hospital information CLICK HERE

*For Nuvance Health information CLICK HERE

*For Bridgeport/YNHH information CLICK HERE

NOTE: No walk-ins are being tested without a prior doctor's authorization.

Additionally, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations will temporarily close casino and resort properties on sovereign reservation lands in eastern Connecticut amid concerns about the coronavirus, per an agreement announced by Governor Lamont. The casinos will close at 8 pm on Tuesday, March 17, for a two-week period.

The closing is a historic one for both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Foxwoods opened in 1992 and has never been closed. Mohegan Sun opened in 1996 and has also never been closed to guests.

“This is an important cooperative agreement between sovereign nations and the State of Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “We all share the same goal toward ensuring our residents are safe and keeping public health at the top of our minds during this public health emergency. I applaud the tribes for their collaboration and partnership.”

The governor also announced that small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut that have been negatively impacted by the global COVID-19 outbreak are now eligible for disaster relief loans of up to $2 million from the US Small Business Administration (SBA). Newtown has also put Deputy Emergency Management Director Rob Sibley in a position to act as a liaison on relief for businesses.

Information about the types of loans available, the process to apply for them, who can apply, and other details are available now by CLICKING HERE

Coping With The Stress

The Hub: Behavioral Health Action Organization for Southwestern CT (www.thehubct.org) is reminding residents who are maintaining appropriate distancing practices that social distancing does not have to mean social isolation.

In fact, the agency states that staying engaged with others is the best way to manage the stress, focus on positives, and worry less — even while "hunkering down" at home.

To help ease the stress of talking with your kids about the situation, the agency is recommending parents, older siblings, and caregivers view a UNICEF video featuring Kati Morton, LMFT, which can be viewed by CLICKING HERE

The CDC also has tips for reducing your own stress, as well as specific information for parents, responders, and people released from quarantine. The CDC experts say that not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way.

Some common changes to watch for include:

*Excessive crying or irritation in younger children

*Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)

*Excessive worry or sadness

*Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits

*Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens

*Poor school performance or avoiding school

*Difficulty with attention and concentration

*Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past

*Unexplained headaches or body pain

*Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

The CDC says there are many things you can do to support your child:

*Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.

*Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.

*Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.

*Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.

*Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Learn more by CLICKING HERE

Anyone experiencing stress can also be referred for assistance by calling 2-1-1 Infoline. Additionally, anyone experiencing anxiety or stress regarding all the news about COVID-19, or what is commonly referred to as coronavirus can call the Optum emotional support helpline providing access to specially trained mental health specialists.

This a toll-free number and it will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. This is a free service supported by the company, which operates local ProHealth Physicians practices. Anyone in need of emotional support is welcome to call.

The number is 866-342-6892.

Finally, the CDC continues to remind the public that handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy by CLICKING HERE