GOVERNOR MANDATES USE OF MASKS IN PUBLIC
Effective at 8:00 p.m. on April 21, 2020 anyone going out it public where they will be in close contact with others is REQUIRED to wear a face mask or other PPE. If you cannot maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others you must cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth. This includes taxis, public transportation, livery, and the transit waiting areas. This order does not apply to anyone “for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition, anyone under the age of 2 years, or by an older child if the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child is unable to place the mask safely on the child’s face.” You will NOT be required to produce medical documentation for your condition.
 
Customers going into stores must also wear cloth face coverings while on premises. Businesses may provide face coverings to customers and visitors. The medical exemption applies for customers, with additional guidance for children. The state also revised its  rules for Connecticut retail stores , and now requires masks or face coverings for employees and customers.
 
ADDITIONAL GRANTS FOR YOU TO APPLY FOR:
HEDCO offers minority-owned and women-owned small businesses with 20 or fewer employees a 0% interest Line of Credit of up to $20,000. This loan can be forgiven if you use it for COVID expenses!   Apply Today   or  Learn More

Hello Alice is offering $10,000 COVID-19 Business for All Emergency Grants during this critical time. Apply today to receive funding for your business; grants will be distributed on a rolling basis.  Learn More
 
PPP FUNDS—GOOD PROGRESS IN CONGRESS
Congressman Courtney sent a letter to the SBA requesting that all PPP applications remain in the system until further funding can be secured. This means that you will not have to re-apply and “lose your place in line” while we wait for Congress to approve additional funding. Congressman Courtney also stated that there has been great progress over the weekend in getting the PPP re-funded and he hopes to see action on it soon.
 
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST 11
NEW ‘SUPPORT LINE’ FOR FAMILIES STRESSED BECAUSE THEY ARE CARING FOR THEIR CHILDREN
Parents who need help dealing with their stress can call 1-833-258-5011 or visit  www.talkitoutct.com . The “Talk It Out” hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on weekends from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It has both English and Spanish capacity.
 
ADVANCECT HAS 2 ND  SURVEY TO GET FEEDBACK ON EFFECTS OF CRISIS
The results of this suvery will help provide information to lawmakers that will be used to prioritize economic recovery initiatives. Please take the time to complete this survey here:   COVID-19 Phase II Business Impact Survey .
The Windham Region Chamber has also created a survey to determine the needs and wellbeing of the businesses in our 18 communities. This information will also help us create a strategy to get our local economy up and going when the lockdown is lifted. You can access this survey here: 
 
STIMULUS CHECKS ARE TO BE USED TO MEET BASIC NEEDS NOT BANK FEES
The CT Banking Commissioner sent a notice to banks instructing them that the automatic deposit of COVID19 stimulus checks was not to be used by the banks to pay bank fees, overdraft fees or other debts the customers/members have with their bank or credit union. This “safety” is good for 30 days from the day your stimulus check was deposited into your account. If your bank automatically applied part of your check to an overdraft fee, you need to contact your bank and ask for the charge to be reversed. If you have issues with your bank/credit union you can contact the Department of Banking here:   the Department of Banking’s website .
To read the full guidance,  click here .
 
CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT YOUR STATE TAXES?
CT’s Department of Revenue Services has created a new assistance program for people who are having problems paying their CT taxes. The DRS Priority One Taxpayer Assistance Program is available to business and individual taxpayers who may be unable to meet their current collections obligations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any taxpayer who is the subject of a payment plan, bank warrant, wage execution, or other levy by DRS and needs relief or assistance because of the impact of COVID-19, can contact DRS directly to speak to a tax professional. You can contact them at:  860-541-7650 (Monday-Friday,8:30a.m.-4:30p.m.) email:   DRSPriorityOne_CollectionsAssist@po.state.ct.us

MARINAS, BOATYARDS, MARINE MANUFACTURERS
The 3 Governors of CT, NY, NJ have agreed to allow marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers to open in their state for personal use as long as strict social distancing and sanitization protocols are followed.  Chartered watercraft services or rentals will not be allowed, and restaurant activity at these sites must be limited to take-out or delivery only, like anywhere else in the three states.
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