Monthly Archives: March 2020

Carney Summarizes Lamont’s Latest Executive Order Detailing Business Restrictions Starting Monday; Also, Gives More COVID-19 General Updates

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State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd)

LYME/OLD LYME — State Representative Devin Carney (R-23), whose District includes Lyme and Old Lyme, issued the following statement earlier this morning, which summarizes Gov. Lamont’s most recent Excutive Order and gives other pertinent COVID-19 information.

“Governor Lamont today signed his ninth executive order pursuant to his emergency declaration, taking further actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Connecticut.

This order:

  • Places restrictions on workplaces for non-essential businesses. This goes into effect Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. through Wednesday, April 22, 2020,
  • Under this restriction, all businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state shall employ, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely employ.
  • Non-essential businesses or non-essential not-for-profit entities shall reduce their in-person workforce at any workplace locations by 100% not later than March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.

**Important note for businesses who are deemed non-essential**

Any other business may be deemed essential after requesting an opinion from DECD, which shall review and grant such request, should it determine that it is in the best interest of the state to have the workforce continue at full capacity to properly respond to this emergency.

Any essential business or entity providing essential goods, services or functions shall not be subject to these in-person restrictions.

Not later than 8 p.m. on March 22, 2020, the Department of Economic and Community Development (“DECD”) shall issue lawfully binding guidance about which businesses are essential.

Those ESSENTIAL businesses to remain OPEN shall include, but not be limited to:

  • Essential retail, including GROCERY STORES and big-box stores or wholesale clubs, provided they also sell groceries;
  • Food and beverage retailers (including liquor/package stores and manufacturer permittees) and restaurants, provided they comply with previous and future executive orders issued during the existing declared public health and civil preparedness emergency;
  • PHARMACIES, gas stations and convenience stores;
  • Essential health care operations including HOSPITALS, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, elder care and home health care workers,
  • Companies and institutions involved in the research and development, manufacture, distribution, warehousing, and supplying of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology therapies, health care data, consumer health products, medical devices, diagnostics, equipment, services and any other healthcare related supplies or services;
  • Essential infrastructure, including utilities, wastewater and drinking water, telecommunications, airports and transportation infrastructure;
  • Manufacturing, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and industries supporting the essential services required to meet national security commitments to the federal government and U.S. Military;
  • The defense industrial base, including aerospace, mechanical and software engineers, manufacturing/production workers, aircraft and weapon system mechanics and maintainers;
  • Essential services including trash and recycling collection, hauling, and processing, mail and shipping services;
  • News media;
  • Legal and accounting services;
  • Banks, insurance companies, check cashing services, and other financial institutions;
  • Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations;
  • Construction;
  • Vendors of essential services and goods necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses, including pest control and landscaping services;
  • Vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and the provision of goods, services or functions necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the public.

To read this executive order, click here.

To see an update on Connecticut’s coronavirus response efforts, click here.

State launches framework for the donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

At the direction of Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the state has activated a framework for donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury or infection that are utilized by people providing healthcare services.

Members of the public, businesses, and philanthropic organizations that wish to donate these vital materials should fill out the online form located at www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19.

United Way 2-1-1 of Connecticut will be working with DPH to collect the input of donation requests and will ensure that donated items are appropriate for the needs of hospitals and long-term care facilities.

The specific items being requested by the state at this time include:

  • N95 Respirators
  • Face Masks/Surgical Masks
  • Face Shields
  • Surgical Gowns
  • Gloves (nitrile, or non-latex)
  • Thermometers
  • Thermometer Covers (if applicable to type of thermometer)
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Other Medical Items

This donation framework will remain in place to support additional donation efforts in the future.

Department of Revenue Services extends filing and payment deadlines for personal income tax returns to July 15, 2020

At the direction of Governor Ned Lamont, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is extending the filing and payment deadline for personal income tax returns 90 days, to July 15, 2020. The extension also applies to Connecticut estimated income tax payments for the first and second quarters of 2020.

This extension for Connecticut personal income tax return filing and payment aligns with the U.S. Treasury’s announcement earlier Friday, where it indicated federal income tax filings and payments would be extended until July 15, 2020.

Connecticut taxpayers who are owed a refund may still file with DRS. The easiest way to file – and the fastest way to receive a refund – is through online filing, including via the DRS online Taxpayer Service Center, which is easy, secure, and free to use. Since Connecticut’s personal income tax return begins with federal Adjusted Gross Income, it is often beneficial to complete one’s federal income tax return first.

Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the DRS website, where additional updates will be posted.

Governor Lamont and DECD speak with 5,000 small business owners and leaders about the impact of COVID-19 on businesses

Yesterday, Governor Lamont and Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) David Lehman hosted a conference call with over 5,000 small business owners and leaders from throughout the state to discuss what the state has done and is planning to do to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. During the call, the governor discussed the state’s new bridge-loan program that is being set up to help small and medium-sized businesses. Details continue to be finalized, and more information is anticipated to be released next week.

To listen to the full audio of the hour-long conference call, visit the state’s COVID-19 business resource page.

Earlier this week, DECD launched the COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit, which will be dedicated to help businesses in Connecticut navigate the resources available to them during this crisis. Small businesses seeking guidance can reach this unit by calling 860-500-2333.

DMV announces series of additional extensions and waivers for vehicle registrations, emissions testing, and other credentials

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced that it is adding vehicle registrations, emissions testing, and several other items to the extension period for Connecticut residents with expiring credentials. In addition to extending the expiration date of DMV credentials, late fees associated with eligible expired credentials and compliance issues will also be waived during this extension period.

The extensions announced today apply to vehicle and boat registrations, emissions testing, new residents, disabled parking placards, business licenses, suspension-related matters, inspections, school bus proficiency tests, and flashing light permits.

For specific information on today’s announcements and details about each of these extension periods, click here.

Businesses experiencing issues regarding supply chains, delivery of goods, or business continuity should contact FEMA’s emergency operations center

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is encouraging businesses in the state that are experiencing issues regarding supply chains, delivery of goods, or business continuity to contact the FEMA National Business Emergency Operations Center by emailing NBEOC@fema.dhs.gov. This is a 24/7 operation and they can assist in directing the inquiry to the proper contact.”

State Rep. Carney concludes, “As always, if you have any questions or would like to speak with me about a concern, please email me at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov or call 800-842-1423.”

Important Updates from Old Lyme Board of Selectmen: How to Volunteer, Request Help, Sign up for Text Notifications, & More

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Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold

Old Lyme Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal

OLD LYME — (From an update  to the community from the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen) The Old Lyme Board of Selectmen is providing periodic updates for the Old Lyme community as it navigates and plans for what is and will be a challenging time.

Use the links on the Town of Old Lyme website to:

Find information on the

Old Lyme Selectman Chris Kerr

Recent Updates:

• On March 16, 2020 a Declaration of Local Emergency was signed by First Selectman Timothy Griswold. Additionally, the First Selectman issued an Executive Order to close or modify the availability of town facilities.

• Town Hall is closed to the public but staff is available to respond to resident’s needs via phone. Be patient and calls will be returned as soon as possible.

• Communication is being enhanced to quickly share important information with the community. SIGN UP FOR COVID-19 EMERGENCY PHONE SMS/TEXT NOTIFICATIONS HERE.

• A task force to oversee the community response is being led by the First Selectman’s Office, the Town of Old Lyme Social Services Department, and the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau. To sign up as a volunteer, click here.

• The First Selectman’s office has arranged a way to hold virtual Board, Commission, and Committee meetings. Any scheduled meetings will be noticed with the Town Clerk as well as listed on the town events calendar.

To date, there are no known cases of Covid-19 in Old Lyme to report. However, as readers are aware, the availability of testing is expected to change this statistic.

The Selectmen’s update concludes, “The health and safety of our community, First Responders, volunteers, and town staff is of utmost importance. Please practice social distancing and avoid unnecessary errands to keep us all safe. One thing we can all do is to continue to be good neighbors. Please safely reach out to folks in your neighborhood. A kind, human voice reminds us that we can and will help each other through this.”

Positive COVID-19 Case Confirmed in East Lyme

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Photo by CDC on Unsplash

EAST LYME — (Press Release from LLHD) Today, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 within the jurisdiction of Ledge Light Health District (LLHD). The individual, an East Lyme resident, is a 44-year-old female.

“Positive cases of COVID-19 within our jurisdiction have been expected, as community transmission of the virus continues to occur in Connecticut. LLHD staff will assure that all appropriate CDC protocols regarding positive cases and potential contacts are followed.” said Stephen Mansfield, Ledge Light Health District’s Director of Health.

Ledge Light Health District’s main objective is to slow the spread of the virus. “The single best way to slow the spread is to practice social distancing. LLHD recommends that all individuals limit any unnecessary person-to-person contact until further notice.” said Mansfield. Social distancing is crucial in helping to reduce the spread of the virus and limit the number of people who are infected.

Ledge Light Health District continues to work with local and state partners to prepare for widespread community transmission of COVID-19. Residents and businesses are urged to access up-to-date information regarding the pandemic from reputable sources including the Ledge Light Health District website (www.llhd.org), Facebook (@LedgeLightHD), Twitter (@LedgeLightHD), and Instagram (@LedgeLightHD).

Editor’s Note: Ledge Light Health District – LLHD – serves as the local health department for East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, Lyme, New London, North Stonington, Old Lyme, Stonington and Waterford, Connecticut. As a health district, formed under Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-241, LLHD is a special unit of government, allowing member municipalities to provide comprehensive public health services to residents in a more efficient manner by consolidating the services within one organization.

New List of Take-Out Options in Lyme, Old Lyme Now Available

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LYME-OLD LYME — The staff of Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) have prepared a list of take-out options in Lyme and Old Lyme.  Many of these are new and have been created in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Many thanks to the LYSB staff for their efforts inpreparing this and we hope our readers will support these local establishments during these challenging times.

Teleconference Explores How Lyme-Old Lyme Towns, Non-Profits Can Best Help Families in Need During COVID-19 Outbreak

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LYSB Director Mary Seidner

Old Lyme Social Services Coordinator Jen Datum.

LYME/OLD LYME — UPDATED MARCH 19, 11:50am: In response to the current Coronavirus situation, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) Director Mary Seidner and Old Lyme Social Services Coordinator Jen Datum hosted a teleconference Wednesday morning with all the non-profit organizations and social services in Lyme, Old Lyme and the local region involved in helping families in need during the widespread shutdowns prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The aim of the teleconference was to give the organizations an opportunity to discuss their current operations, needs, and concerns. After gathering the information shared during the teleconference, Seidner and Datum’s plan is to compile a resource directory for the citizens of Old Lyme and Lyme with the intent of sharing it widely.

Present at the meeting were representatives from:

  • Ledge Light Health District
  • Thames Valley Council of Community Action
  • Lymes’ Senior Center
  • Town of Old Lyme
  • Town of Lyme
  • Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church
  • Christ The King Church
  • First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
  • First Congregational Church of Lyme
  • Lyme-Old Lyme Schools
  • Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce
  • Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
  • Mentoring Corps Community Development
  • 9-Town Transit
  • Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries

LymeLine.com was also invited to join the teleconference.

Each agency or organization gave an overview of how its operations have been affected by the enforced and/or elective shutdowns due to the virus and how it is responding in the sense of adding or changing its services. A summary of the reports given by the individual agencies/organizations is at the foot of this article.

Old Lyme Emergency Services Director David Roberge then summed up all the responses, saying “There is a lot of commonality here,” noting that areas in which support was being given fell into five broad categories. These were

  • mental/emotional/spiritual support
  • logistical issues such as picking up prescriptions, groceries, meals, etc.
  • transportation challenges, i.e., getting to and from appointments, from one location to another, using buses, etc.
  • providing economic support to businesses suffering financial hardhip due to either enforced closure or a serious drop in traffic as a result of people either staying at home or being financially challenged
  • clear and comprehensive communication to Lyme and Old Lyme residents and businesses.

He proposed that all the organizations should “start co-ordinating, combine resources, and minimize duplication,” and went on to say that an email would go out after the end of the teleconference asking each organization to confirm details of what had been discussed. Lymes’ Youth Services Bureau will process all those responses to combine them into both written information and a website for general release to the public.  It is hoped that the website will be up and operational Wednesday or Thursday.

Seidner mentioned during the teleconference that some substantial philanthropic donations had been made to support individuals or groups that are experiencing hardship from the Coronavirus pandemic. She said a fund would be set up that she and the First Selectmen of Lyme and Old Lyme would manage in association with the Social Service Directors of each town. Details of the fund and how to donate to it will be given on the new website.

In a phone conversation after the meeting, Roberge expressed how pleased he was to LymeLine.com that three disparate groups, namely the Towns of Lyme and Old Lyme respectively, the youth of the two towns, and local non-profits have now all been successfully brought together through this teleconference. He noted that prior to this, each group, Town, or organization had been acting independently but now areas in which they can work together more effectively and efficiently will be identified and a plan implemented for those areas.

Roberge said he saw it as the first seeds of “creating a Task Force for the two towns that would serve the needs of the whole Lyme-Old Lyme community,” during this time of coping with the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Updates reported by each organization present at the teleconference:

  • Kris Magnusson of Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) reported that, as at the time of the teleconference, no cases of Coronavirus have been reported in New London County. LLHD has increased communications by phone and mail. LLHD has been maintaining situational awareness through weekly teleconferences with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CT Department of Public Health (DPH). They are conducting countless activities related to preparedness and communicating regularly with town leaders and community partners. Drive-through testing starting at L+M but only for those referred by their family physician.
  • TVCCA mentioned fuel assistance benefits have been extended through the spring. Utility shut-offs have been postponed indefinitely. Tax assistance is postponed for the moment.
  • Meals on Wheels continues.
  • Stephanie Gould reported that Lymes’ Senior Center is closed. All groups, programs, and activities at the Lymes’ Senior Center are canceled until further notice. The nurse will hold her regular 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Monday to Friday schedule to address senior needs. If readers call the Estuary by 11 a.m. on a Monday, they can pick up five frozen meals curbside at the Senior Center — no need to get out of the car. A donation of $3 per meal is requested and can be left in the trunk where it can be picked up by the volunteer placing the meals there. Frozen meals can also be picked up two at a time at The Estuary on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Amy Hollis from Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries has closed all meal sites but maintained their food pantry pick-up service. No registration is required – groceries will be brought outside to client.
  • Superintendent Ian Neviaser reported that Lyme-OldLyme Schools are closed for two weeks, though he anticipates the closure to last much longer based on the latest information he has received. The state of Connecticut gave permission Monday for schools to move to online distance learning.  LOL Schools are surveying parents to determine internet access/device availability and also lunch needs. Lunches will be available where needed from Thursday. LOL Schools are working to distribute devices to all 7-12 graders so that they can participate in distance learning. Neviaser noted things are moving very fast and the schools are keeping everyone informed as rapidly as possible.
  • Town of Old Lyme – all town buildings closed. Town hall operations are still functioning. Information is on the Town website about how to contact whoever you need in town government.  More at this link. 
  • Kathy Tisdale reported for the Town of Lyme – Town website has been reorganized around the Coronavirus emergency. All town buildings will be closed.  Selectmen have encouraged all meetings be postponed. More at this link. 
  • Joe Comerford said 9 Town Transit is still running a regular service.  Ridership was normal last week but is down 50 percent this week. May require service to be reduced, but Demand Response will continue regardless.
  • Bill Archer said Lymes’ Senior Center is empty, clean and ready to be used as a respite center.  A plan is in place to serve community members over 60 and/or those with special needs.
  • Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association has cancelled all visits. They are calling through their phone lists to check on people. Call Cindi Taylor at 860-876-0456 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. if you would like prescriptions picked up.
  • Local churches:
    • Christ the King – Bishop mandated that no further public masses should be held from Tuesday. The church is always open and updates are given on the website.
    • Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church – The office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and the church is focussing on online resources.  The Priest-in-Charge said she thought it highly unlikely any Holy Week services wuld be celebrated this year.
    • Senior Minister Steve Jungkeit reported that First Congregational Church of Old Lyme has moved everything online, including giving services, having meetings, etc. , via Zoom. Teams of callers are calling each person in the congregation to reach out and “see what needs there are.”
    • Lyme First Congregational Church said all Sunday worship services are cancelled from March 22 onward. The pastor will post a modified worship service online on March 22.
  • Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Director Katie Huffman stated that the library is closed as is the book drop.  She requested patrons keep their currently borrowed books at home. Staff are working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and available for research needs, educational resources by phone.
  • Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce President Rich Shriver noted that some local restaurants have started take-out services and “certainly could use all of our support.”

Editor’s Note: Kudos to Mary Seidner and Jen Datum for getting everyone together at such short notice and also to all participants for the strong spirit evident universally to help and support all members of our Lyme-Old Lyme community to the greatest extent possible in this time of crisis. Many remarked on how forward-thinking and pro-active it was to hold the teleconference and move forward positively and efficiently from there.