Sunset on a chilly Friday.
Friday, January 22, 2021
Klarides-Ditria: State releases 6 steps used to keep schools open safely
The Connecticut State Department of Education recently released the following six steps it is using to keep schools across our state open safely.
Priority Access to COVID Testing — The State has contracted with testing partners to provide priority access testing for all staff in schools and childcare settings. Priority access is intended for staff who need to get tested quickly, in order to ensure their work day is not interrupted.
Among the state-contracted partners who support this effort are CHC, Inc., Sema4, and CIC Health. More info can be found at ct.gov/priorityworkforcetest.
BinaxNOWTM COVID Testing — BinaxNOWTM COVID tests are available to all school districts throughout the state to be used for their symptomatic students and staff.
For more information on BinaxNOWTM tests, email: Christopher.lyddy@ct.gov.
Vaccines — In Connecticut, DPH has started the roll-out of Phase 1b which will ultimately include access for all of our school staff. CSDE supported, and Governor Lamont accepted, the recommendation from the Vaccine Allocation Subcommittee to include all school staff in this Phase as frontline essential workers.
At this time, access to vaccine appointments is only for individuals who are 75 years of age or older because of the high mortality rate for those individuals. CSDE and DPH plan to ensure, when it is appropriate, school staff have fast access to vaccine appointments. Connecticut also continues to implement Phase 1a, which includes school nurses.
Contact Tracing Support — The CSDE has partnered with the Connecticut Association of Schools to match districts with contracted support staff who will increase capacity to assist with contact tracing efforts. School districts interested in getting matched with this support can do so at https://casci.ac/6338.
CSDE/DPH COVID-19 Health and Safety Tuesdays — This is a weekly opportunity for superintendents, health officials, policymakers and other educational partners to engage in dialogue with CT’s Department of Public Health and the CSDE for guidance and strategies for a successful, healthy and safe school year. To date there are over 900 regularly registered participants.
Up-To-Date Guidance and Assistance — The CSDE, in close collaboration with the DPH and other partners in public health and education, continue to issue relevant guidance and provide school districts with technical assistance. This includes, but is not limited to, FAQs, Reopening Plan Addenda, Webinar Training Series, and Data Visualization Tools.
CSDE/DPH COVID-19 Health and Safety Tuesdays — This is a weekly opportunity for superintendents, health officials, policymakers and other educational partners to engage in dialogue with CT’s Department of Public Health and the CSDE for guidance and strategies for a successful, healthy and safe school year. To date there are over 900 regularly registered participants.
Up-To-Date Guidance and Assistance — The CSDE, in close collaboration with the DPH and other partners in public health and education, continue to issue relevant guidance and provide school districts with technical assistance. This includes, but is not limited to, FAQs, Reopening Plan Addenda, Webinar Training Series, and Data Visualization Tools.
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Klarides-Ditria proposes 'medical amnesty' legislation for minors
HARTFORD - In an effort to prevent injury and save lives by encouraging minors to seek medical assistance for alcohol poisoning, state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour has introduced “medical amnesty” legislation.
The bill would eliminate the criminal penalty for a minor in possession of alcohol under certain circumstances.
Medical amnesty is similar to the Good Samaritan laws already in place across the country, including Connecticut.
However, this legislation creates a specific limited exemption from prosecution for minors who report people in need of immediate medical attention.
“It’s important to make sure everyone gets the medical attention they need as quickly as possible, and this legislation prioritizes the safety of our residents by removing the fear of being fined for doing the right thing and seeking help,” Klarides-Ditria said. “Eliminating a minor criminal penalty if specific criteria are met, including being the first to call for help and cooperating with authorities, sends a message to our youth that their health is our top priority, not punishment.”
HB 5023 - An Act Concerning Immunity from Arrest for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor When a Person Under Twenty-One Years of Age Seeks Assistance for Possible Alcohol Poisoning - would provide immunity from arrest for possession of alcohol by a minor when a person under 21 years of age seeks medical assistance for possible alcohol poisoning, provided such person is the first to call for assistance, remains at the scene of the incident, and cooperates with law enforcement and medical personnel.
Connecticut is one of a handful of states without some form of medical amnesty policy. The Medical Amnesty Initiative reports that “a Cornell University study concluded that while 19 percent of college students reported that help probably should have been called for a highly intoxicated individual they were with, only 4 percent actually made the call.”
“As parents we tell our children that it’s best to tell the truth and ask for help, and this change underscores the state’s commitment to keeping our children safe,” Klarides-Ditria said.
The bill has been referred to the Public Health Committee and awaits action.
This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.
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