As the effects of COVID-19 have begun to impact every facet of American life, I am writing to update you with some important information and resources. 

My colleagues and I have been working hard to address critical needs at the federal level. The House recently passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which focuses on the immediate economic needs for workers and family like paid emergency leave for millions of Americans. The #FamiliesFirst Act provides for free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured and strengthens nutrition security benefits on which millions of school children, seniors, and families depend. The Senate will take up this important bill today, and I hope they will swiftly pass it to help America through this crisis.

Earlier this month, we passed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which allocated $8.3 billion to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. This bill was passed on a bipartisan basis and provided funding for:

• Public health preparedness and prevention, including funding for state and local public health agencies;
• Vaccine research and therapy development, and;
• Medical supplies and equipment

The legislation authorized $1 billion to support up to $7 billion in Small Business Administration low-interest loans to help small businesses impacted by the virus. Connecticut businesses and nonprofits are now eligible to apply for loans from the SBA. You can do so here. 

I expect that the House will begin work on the passage of a third relief package soon. Our work in Congress is not done.  I will continue the vital oversight and legislative work necessary for us to get this right; the alternative is too dire.

Our state leaders are also working to ensure that we are prepared to mitigate the effects of this pandemic. On Monday, Government Lamont issued an Executive Order taking the following actions:

• A prohibition on large gatherings to a capacity of 50 people, and adds religious gatherings to the list of activities subject to the limit. 
• Limits restaurants to non-alcoholic beverage and take-out/delivery services only.
• Requires closure of on-side operations at off-track betting facility operations.
• Requires closure of gyms, fitness studios, and movie theaters.

Even though schools throughout the state are closed, the state government the State Department of Education is working with school districts on developing distance learning plans and ensuring students have access to nutritious meals. Anyone under the age of 18 can pick up meals at designated locations in their city or town. Consult your city or town's municipal website for more information.

If you have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the coronavirus, you can apply for unemployment immediately. The Governor announced that a hotline will be up and running to answer questions later this week. You can apply for unemployment at filectui.com.

I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure you and your family have the resources you need during this difficult time, which includes making sure you have information about the virus, how it spreads, and steps we can all take to reduce its transmission:

According to the CDC, this virus is primarily transmitted by person-to-person contact. Transmission typically occurs when:

1. Someone with the virus sneezes or coughs on you, leaving respiratory droplets on your skin or clothing, or you touch someone who has the virus on their skin or clothing.
2. You then touch your face, which gives the virus an entry point via your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Best Practices to Avoid Transmission and Stay Informed 

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds frequently throughout the day.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and water. Look for a product that’s at least 60 % alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Limit your person-to-person contact by practicing social distancing (maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and another person) at all times when in public.
• STAY HOME. Social isolation will help us slow the spread of this virus (i.e. flatten the curve). We should all do our best to limit our interaction with other people. Even if you are experiencing no symptoms of the virus, you can still be a vector for it and can transmit the virus to others.
• If you are experiencing symptoms or need medical assistance, please contact your primary care provider first. Do not go to the emergency room.
• Stay up to date with CDC guidelines as they are issued by checking their website and signing up for their alerts
• Check the state of Connecticut's website daily to stay up-to-date with what is being done at the state level to address the virus
• The state of Connecticut has set up a 24/7 information hotline for general questions no answered on the website related to COVID-19. You can dial 2-1-1 for assistance. This hotline is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms. 
• Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider immediately 

Thank you for your support and staying engaged during these trying times.