Klarides-Ditria offers update on state response to COVID-19 outbreak

Dear Neighbors, I wanted to let you know some recent updates on government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Early this morning, [Thursday] Gov. Lamont’s administration released a helpful compilation of frequently asked questions tied to the state’s response to this crisis. You can access the document by clicking here, and I’ve also posted it to my web site on my Coronavirus Information page.  Examples of questions include: How do I know if I should be tested for COVID-19, and where do I go to be tested? How do I apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits or get more information about the process and requirements? What options do I have if I do not have health insurance at present? Again, answers to those questions and many more are available in the FAQ document.  Gov. Lamont has also issued his eighth Executive Order in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Actions taken in today's Executive Order include the temporary closure of barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing parlors, and related businesses effective at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020. The postponement of Connecticut’s presidential primary from April 28 to June 2, 2020. And clearance for restaurants, bars, and private clubs to sell alcohol to be consumed off-premise under certain conditions. You can view the complete list of executive orders by clicking here. In addition to the Executive Order, the administration has taken several other initiatives to provide resources to Connecticut residents at this time of uncertainty. There are now 15 alternative sites in Connecticut that are offering drive-through testing - in addition to the state laboratory. The DOT is enhancing its guidelines along its bus routes to promote passenger safety. Banking Commissioner Perez has also made it clear to residents that their money remains safe in Connecticut's banks and credit unions. Remember, the state maintains a web portal dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the state's response to the outbreak. In order to provide accurate and timely information, my website has a special Coronavirus Information page that includes important local, state and federal links for your convenience. You can access the page at this link and if you have questions that are not answered by those resources, please reach out to me at nicole.klarides-ditria@housegop.ct.gov or 1-800-842-1423. While this is a difficult time for all of us, I want to make sure I share important information on this issue in a timely manner. Please remember to check in with your friends and neighbors to see how they are doing and let them know you are thinking about them. We will get through this together! Sincerely, State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Master's Table postpones all meals in Ansonia until further notice

Sharing a message from Jim Fedak, president, Master's Table Community Meals:

"Master’s Table Community Meals is postponing all meals till further notice. This is temporary, due to COVID-19. We hope you understand that we have not made this decision lightly and we will closely monitor the situation and change these plans accordingly, as appropriate. 

"We will email everyone once it is confirmed that we can resume our meals. 

"Please be safe."

Many thanks and blessings,

Jim

Ansonia schools chief updates distance learning plan, thanks staff

Newsletter highlights coping with COVID-19

I ventured out at 6:30 a.m. today to do some shopping at Stop & Shop in Ansonia. 
I wrote about my abbreviated trip for our newsletter today. 
Read all about it here:

https://3d62a228-eb5f-443c-a1ec-b9ff5c58ad34.filesusr.com/ugd/329bf6_56877e8a97a9459b8cea36c6e664bfaf.pdf

https://thevalley-voicenews.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-valley-voice-newsletter-for-march.html

Connecticut postpones presidential primary to June 2

Sharing information from Marc J. Garofalo, Derby Town/City Clerk:

"You are hereby notified that this office has been advised by the Office of the Secretary of the State Denise Merrill that the Connecticut Presidential Preference Primary scheduled for Tuesday April 28, 2020 has been postponed until Tuesday June 2, 2020."

Recuperation journey: St. Patrick's Day visitor

I snapped this photo through the window Tuesday. I thought I'd post it to take a break from all the upsetting news about COVID-19 that is bombarding us daily. 
The cardinal seems to be hiding from another bird. Maybe a game of hide and seek?

St. Vincent de Paul in Derby continues to give out food by appointment

Sharing from the St. Vincent De Paul Facebook page:

"Our shop, and major source of income for the food bank, is closed for now but we are STILL GIVING OUT FOOD by appointment, from the back of the building - safely and quickly, with a very small, dedicated and big-hearted crew. 

"Need is high! Please swing by with any food donations - which can be left outside in the back while we are "open" (Mon-Fri 9:00-2:30). We are in particular need of jelly, instant potatoes, pasta sauce, veg oil, mayo, canned chicken, Hamburger Helper, baked beans, Chef Boyardee, canned peas - carrots - corn, egg noodles, broth, saltines, oatmeal, coffee, tea. 

"Thank you for helping us keep this vital assistance flowing to our neighbors in need, during this unsettling and tense time.
FOOD = LOVE."

The food bank is at 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby.