US: Federals approve disaster declaration for Connecticut

President Donald Trump has approved a disaster declaration for Connecticut allowing federal help for state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in parts of the state affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The declaration, which was approved Saturday, makes federal funding available for emergency protective measures.

State agencies and municipalities in all eight counties can receive reimbursement for 75% of the costs associated with emergency response and emergency measures, according to Gov. Ned Lamont’s office. The governor said the state’s awaiting further approval from the White House for expanded food benefits and unemployment and childcare assistance.

“I am grateful that the federal government is recognizing the severity of this pandemic in Connecticut and the impact it is having on the health and safety of the people of our state,” Lamont said in a statement.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death. The vast majority of people recover.

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100 VENTILATORS

Lamont took a tour Sunday of a Guildford manufacturing company that has committed to producing ten ventilators for the state every week over the next 10 weeks.

Bio-Med Devices CEO Dean Bennett told reporters that his company’s been making ventilators since 1973. The breathing machines help remove carbon dioxide and deliver oxygen to the lungs of patients unable to do so.

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CITY RESTRICTIONS

In New Haven, where there were 71 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Sunday, Mayor Justin Elicker said he will close all playgrounds at the city’s parks and schools because of multiple complaints of large gatherings there. He said fences around playgrounds will be locked and those without fences will have signs saying they’re closed.

In Norwalk, Mayor Harry Rilling issued emergency orders on Sunday to restrict traffic at parks and beaches and reduce occupancy rates at all businesses to 50% of the fire marshal’s established occupancy numbers, effective at 8 p.m. Monday. He directed Norwalk families to limit trips to the store to only one family member, with exemptions for single parents and other situations where it’s not feasible to leave a person home.

Rilling said “extreme measures are necessary” after positive coronavirus cases rose by 60% in the last 24 hours to more than 200. “Norwalk — I am pleading with you - take this crisis seriously,” Rilling said. “Protect yourselves and your families. Stay home and save lives.”