State Parks Remain Open with Restrictions; Shoreline Swimming Areas Open; Inland Swimming Areas Closed, Capacity Limits and Social Distancing Guidelines Remain in Place

They also encourage visitors to select locations closest to your home. State parks and beaches near FCBuzz include:

While some of the information is guidance that DEEP has shared previously, the plan contains a good amount of new information, such as DEEP’s current plan for the swimming areas it oversees, and provides a “one stop shop” for the latest information on outdoor recreation offerings administered by DEEP.

As the state begins a phased re-opening of its economy, the vast majority of state parks remain open, as they’ve been throughout the pandemic. The restrictions that they’ve operated under, such as daily capacity limits, social distancing guidelines for visitors, and use of face coverings, also remain in place.

The operational plan can be found here.

Swimming and Beaches:

Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont, along with the governors of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, announced that they would open beaches in their respective states effective Friday, May 22. Gov. Lamont also announced that in Connecticut, state parks that feature beaches along the Connecticut shoreline will be open May 22, though with capacity limitations, and visitors are advised to follow social distancing guidelines.

At this time, DEEP is permitting swimming only at shoreline State Parks (not inland State Park swim areas). Guidance from the state Department of Public Health indicates that recreational swimming is not a known form of transmission of COVID-19, in saltwater or freshwater. At this time, DEEP is making decisions about permitting swimming at State Parks based on considerations of potential crowding and the ability to maintain social distancing onshore, at beach locations.

It is DEEP’s assessment at this time that shoreline parks that feature beaches, operating under limited capacity, can safely accommodate visitors on beaches, provided they follow recommended social distancing guidelines. Visitors to shoreline parks must maintain 15’ of space from other beachgoers (blanket-to-blanket).  This distance will allow for a 6’ radius around each person or family and a 3’ walkway in between groups.

Based on the very limited size of our beach and swim areas at inland state parks, and current social distancing guidance, DEEP will close beaches at inland State Parks, and prohibit swimming at inland State Parks. Again, this operational decision is based on the potential for on-shore crowding, not a concern of risk of transmission in freshwater.  Park staff will monitor beach closure and educate the public to ensure compliance with the closures. DEEP will continue to review this policy in alignment with public health recommendations and will consider the reopening of designated swim areas on a case-by-case basis. 

If you choose to visit a shoreline state park that features a beach, visitors are encouraged to select locations closest to home, and consider visiting early in the morning before crowds gather. At least 6 feet of social distancing must be maintained between persons, and groups over five remain prohibited. Visitors should recreate with members of their immediate household and not meet up with others. Visitors should bring face coverings and use them whenever they are in proximity to others. Face coverings should not be worn in the water. Visitors should not expect that restroom buildings will be open, but most locations will have portable toilets available.  

DEEP will reduce parking capacity and close beaches for the day if social distancing cannot be maintained, and will make adjustments to operations and consider longer-term closures if the situation warrants. Updates on closures are posted on the state parks Twitter feed,@CTStateParks.

Lifeguards will not be on shoreline beaches in Connecticut state parks early in the season.  These beaches are currently posted as "No Lifeguards on Duty."  It is expected that shoreline beaches will begin lifeguarding when adequate staffing, training, and safety practices meeting DEEP standards are in place. Lifeguards will be provided training to reduce the risk of virus transmission in the course of their duties, including providing CPR. Guidance for lifeguards is available from the American Red Cross. Lifeguards will not be posted at inland beaches while swimming is prohibited at those beaches.

Staff in DEEP’s Water Monitoring and Assessment Program will be monitoring water quality at the shoreline parks open for swimming. The water quality at the beaches will be tested for the presence of infectious diseases using standard bacteria indicator species. Residents will be able to find swimming area closure information at DEEP’s state parks Twitter feed, @CTStateParks, and will soon also be able to find that information on the DEEP website athttps://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Recreation-Information/State-Swimming-Area-Water-Quality-Report, or on DEEP’s toll free Water Quality Information Phone Line at 1-866-287-2757.

Connecticut municipalities continue to make decisions regarding the beaches and swimming areas they oversee. DEEP has been in consultation with municipalities during the pandemic, and will continue to be. DEEP’soperational planis available for municipalities to adapt to their needs if they wish to do so.

Limited swimming capacity at state parks, combined with restrictions made by municipalities around the swimming areas they oversee, mean that residents will have to plan beach and swimming excursions well in advance, and be ready with a back-up plan if their first choice is closed.

State Campgrounds, Cabins, and Youth Sites:

As was recently announced, state Campgrounds, Cabins, Youth sites, Backcountry and River Camping sites are closed until at least June 11.  Additional campground reservations for the 2020 season have been postponed for the time being to prevent the need to reimburse the public for future reservations if campgrounds remain closed.

Other options to open campgrounds are being considered that minimize staff and public risk.  The decision will be based on current public health guidance, cleaning protocols and the availability of adequate staff and appropriate personal protective equipment.  

As we move forward into the summer season, DEEP will continue to monitor and assess public use and recreational activities that occur at state parks and other DEEP managed outdoor recreation areas. Evaluation of that information may result in changes to the operational plan. While law enforcement personnel are authorized to enforce social distancing and group size guidance, DEEP seeks to educate first and ask people to follow the rules, in hopes that visitors will take personal responsibility and make sure that they comply. 

To view the operational plan, go here:https://portal.ct.gov/deep-parkscovid19.

Letter to the Editor

Guidelines Released by the Reopen Connecticut Taskforce Miss the Mark, Do Not Allow for the Safe Reopening of Offices

On May 9, 2020, a council of Connecticut business leaders, in concert with the Lamont Administration, released rules and guidance for the “safe” reopening of workplaces across the state. The processes, principles, and protocols issued by this taskforce reflect a failure to address some of the most basic needs that the state’s business community (including both employers and employees) desperately requires.

The guidelines state that “employees are encouraged to continue to work from home where possible.” While I am sure this statement was intended to highlight how even the most detailed and complete safety measures would still result in a substantial amount of risk present in any and all office environments, there is no excuse for the incompleteness of the issued guidelines.

Allow me to highlight some examples of where the program outline failed.

Reopen Connecticut failed to issue regulations or standards to be followed by building managers and landlords, which should have focused on the safe setup of common bathrooms, elevators, building access points, and even stairwells.

While the regulations issued state that all office spaces are required to be thoroughly cleaned prior to reopening (and on an ongoing basis), there are no clear guidelines as to ownership of this responsibility. What falls to the employer/tenant, and what will be the responsibility of building management? Given the fact that office spaces are most often cleaned by service providers secured directly by the landlord, standards for their cleaning needed to be defined, and were not.

Employers are responsible for providing office workers with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), and Reopen Connecticut guidelines have made it clear that if PPE is not provided to employees, offices cannot open. However, the State has not provided a way for businesses to acquire the needed PPE, which will significantly hinder most from reopening their doors given how difficult it continues to be to acquire masks, gloves and, most importantly, sanitizing products.

Once offices reopen, there is also the inevitability that an employee or a member of their household will test positive for COVID-19. None of the guidance issued outlines steps a business must follow when this occurs. The cascade of challenges and issues that will shadow such an incident were very much overlooked by our leaders in Hartford, and protocols for meeting “re-certification” standards to reopen after such a diagnosis was also notably absent.

Even more troubling, there are also no specific requirements that mandate building management to notify tenants when an individual who has been in the building tests positive for COVID-19.

Businesses bringing employees back to the office will be required to post clear signage reinforcing all safety related protocols and policies, yet the State did not provide samples of these postings or indicate where they can be downloaded. It can be anticipated that the content of these notices may be incomplete and thus ineffective without the proper guidance from the taskforce.

It is understandable that Connecticut employers want to reopen their offices and welcome employees back as quickly as possible. However, in order to do so safely, they must be provided with a much more complete, robust, and clearly outlined set of standards and guidelines.

Those employed in the State of Connecticut are also eager to return to their workplace, but demand that they have confidence the office they return to is safe and that the State and their employer have done everything possible to ensure their health and wellbeing.

Reopen Connecticut fails miserably to address the needs of both Connecticut employers and workers. As a thirty-year resident of the state and business owner since 2001, I am incredibly disappointed in the taskforce’s efforts and output on this front. We all deserve better.

- David Lewis, Norwalk, Connecticut

David Lewis is CEO of OperationsInc (www.OperationsInc.com), the state’s largest HR Consulting Practice. The 90-employee consulting group is based in Norwalk.

Roadmap Outlines Strategy for Accelerating Deployment of EVs in Connecticut

Coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day which took place a few weeks ago, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued its Electric Vehicle Roadmap for Connecticut (EV Roadmap), a comprehensive strategy for achieving widespread deployment of electric vehicles in the state, and a key tool in the state’s effort to improve air quality for residents while also addressing the climate crisis.

According to the DEEP, there have been 5,213 Electric Vehicles registered in Connecticut. Electric Vehicles registered in zip codes near FCBuzz include:

The top 10 towns in Connecticut for electric vehicle registrations are:

The top 5 models for Connecticut Registrations of EV’s are:

One of the focus areas of the EV Roadmap is scaling up electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) such as charging stations in order to encourage higher EV penetration rates. “Range anxiety,” or fear that an EV will run out of power before a destination is reached, will diminish as consumers become more confident in charging accessibility. 

There are 376 publicly-accessible EV charging stations with a total of 966 charging connectors in the state, including 50 direct current fast charger (DCFC) locations with 212 charging connectors. A significant increase in workplace Level 2 charging connectors, public Level 2 charging connectors, and public DCFC connectors will be critical to supplement residential charging and meet future charging demands.

The EV Roadmap focuses in on several key areas, including the transitioning of public and private fleets and medium and heavy-duty vehicles to EVs; making the consumer charging experience more consistent; minimizing grid impacts through demand reduction measures; providing demand charge relief for charging station owners and EV fleet operators; exploring opportunities for pilot programs with local innovators in the EV field; working with the state and municipal governments to modify building codes and permitting requirements to support EV infrastructure deployment; and leveraging financial incentives, such as the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR), to help make EV purchase price less of a barrier to consumers.

In issuing the EV Roadmap, DEEP is mindful of the pervasive impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on communities both locally and around the world, the full scale and effects of which, though unknown at this time, are and will be significant. DEEP will continue to monitor the COVID crisis and consider its impact on the long-term goals outlined in the EV Roadmap.
Environmental stakeholders from around the state applauded the EV Roadmap’s release.

To view the EV Roadmap, visit: http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/DEEPEnergy.nsf/c6c6d525f7cdd1168525797d0047c5bf/f7ed4932eec438d0852585520001c81b/$FILE/EV%20Roadmap%20for%20Connecticut.pdf

U.S. News & World Report reviewed more than 24,000 U.S. public high schools and 207 Connecticut schools made their 2020 rankings. Below are the rankings of high schools in and around {town}.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the highest-ranked schools are scattered throughout the country, showing that the best schools are not concentrated in any one geographic area. Nine different states are represented among the top 10 schools. More broadly, the top 100 schools span 29 states.

U.S. News & World Report says that they take a holistic approach to evaluating schools, focusing on six factors: college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates. College readiness measures participation and performance on AP and IB exams.

Here are the top 10 high schools in Connecticut:
#1 Connecticut IB Academy in East Hartford
#2 Weston High School
#3 Darien High School
#4 Staples High School (Westport)
#5 New Canaan High School
#6 Simsbury High School
#7 Greenwich High School
#8 Hall High School (West Hartford)
#9 Ridgefield High School
#10 Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern
See the complete Connecticut High School rankings HERE.
To see how schools in the state’s top metro areas ranked, check out the pages for Hartford, New Haven, Norwich, and Bridgeport.

View the article in its entirety here.

Some Good News!

Everyday heroes are emerging amidst the pain we are all experiencing. Their stories can inspire us all.

HamletHub has been received an abundance of stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things so we created a special "hub" to spread joy called Community is not Canceled.

Community is not Canceled features a plethora of inspiring stories that will give you many reasons to smile!

Read about:

• A Connecticut tree company hanging 50' flags outside of hospitals across the state
• Towns celebrating birthdays with fire truck drive-bys
• A nine-year-old violinist bringing joy to those celebrating birthdays during the quarantine
• Danbury "hackers" who have transformed their techie space into a face shield manufacturing "hub"
• A family who climbed to the roof of a nursing facility to speak to a loved one through a window
• Family celebrating the birth of a baby in the age of COVID-19

We are in this together. Stay strong. 

If you have an inspiring story from FCBuzz to share, please email communitymatters@hamlethub.com

Visit Community is not Canceled HERE.

Support for Connecticut Food Bank During COVID-19: Race Against Hunger

Connecticut Food Bank needs the town of FCBuzz to help to support their efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic! Food Bank volunteers are working tirelessly during this unprecedented time to feed the hungry throughout Connecticut.
One way FCBuzz can support the Food Bank is by participating in The Race Against Hunger, a virtual 5K run and walk that takes place between April 13th - April 19th. Since it’s virtual, you can participate at the time and place of your choosing! Register at www.jbsports.com.
This virtual event is a way for Connecticut runners to stay connected and motivated while keeping our distance! Let’s come together to support those in need during these critical times. Register now to help the state's largest source of emergency food assistance!
The food bank is still open, but hours are modified. Below is a list of Food Banks within 20 miles of FCBuzz. Please call because there may be changes.

This week, Governor Lamont signed an Executive Order that included the early opening of the fishing season in Connecticut. With spring showing its early colors, fishing is a perfect outdoor activity. It states:

opening the fishing season early in inland waters will help to limit community spread of COVID-19 by eliminating the large crowds that often accompany the traditional Opening Day of fishing in April

If you are suffering from cabin fever, head to your favorite fishing hole and drop in a line! Remember, even while fishing or engaging in any outdoor activity, social distancing is a MUST. Please remain 6' apart!

During this time of social distancing, fishing should be enjoyed as solitary experience or with members of the immediate household, not as a group activity. DEEP is encouraging all anglers to follow social distancing practices. Anglers should maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, practice good personal hygiene, stay home and away from others if they feel sick, and avoid areas where anglers or others congregate. All other fishing laws and regulations, including requirements for a fishing license and trout and salmon stamp when needed, and all methods, creel limits and length limits remain in effect. More information and a helpful FAQ can be found on DEEP’s website

Please refer constituents to https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/CT-Fishing for more information. We continue to stock trout and plan on completely our spring 2020 stockings. Below you will find the listings of our stockings so far this spring. Anglers should also check out our Interactive Stocking map at: https://ctdeep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=70d13bc033854b89a87c04b1d11b1a43

You can find a helpful video here: https://www.facebook.com/CTFishAndWildlife/videos/1147555402243388/

A list of the fishing spots are listed below:

Around Bridgeport/Danbury/Norwalk/Stamford:

Lakes - Ball Pond, Beardsley Park Pond, Blanchard Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cobbs Mill Pond, Disbrow Pond, Factory Pond, Great Hollow Pond, Housatonic Lake, Isinglass Reservoir (Farmill), Lake Kenosia, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar, Mamanasco Lake, Miller’s Pond, Mohegan Lake, Nells Rock Reservoir, Pierrepont Pond, Saugatuck Reservoir, Shelton Reservoir #2, Silvermine Pond, Squantz Pond, Starrett Pond, Tollgate Pond, Tungsten Mine Park Pond, Twin Brooks Park Pond, West Pequonnock Reservoir
Major Trout Streams – Aspetuck, Byram, Farmill, Mianus, Mill, Morrissey Brook, Norwalk, Pequonnock, Pond Brook, Pootatuck, Rippowam, Saugatuck

Around Hartford/New Britain:

Lakes - Angus Park Pond, Batterson Park Pond, Broad Brook Mill Pond, Brookfield Pond, Congamond Lakes, Freshwater Pond, Howells Pond, Manitook Lake, Rainbow Reservoir, St Martha’s Pond, Salmon Brook Pond, Salters Pond, Silver Lake, Stratton Brook Park Pond
Major Trout Streams – Blackledge, Cherry Brook, Coppermine Brook, Dickenson Creek, Farmington, Fawn Brook, Pequabuck, Podunk, Raymond Brook, Roaring Brook, Salmon Brook, Scantic, Stony Brook, Stratton Brook

Around Middletown/East Haddam:

Lakes - Bashan Lake, Beseck Lake, Black Pond, Cedar Lake, Dooley Pond, Great Hill Pond, Higganum Reservoir, Lake Hayward, Messerschmidt’s Pond, Miller’s Pond, Moodus Reservoir, Pataconk Lake, Pistol Shop Pond, Schreeder Pond

Major Trout Streams – Coginchaug, Hammonasset, Hemlock Valley Brook, Pine Brook, Salmon

Around New Haven/Naugatuck:

Lakes - Axle Shop Pond, Baldwin Pond, Barber Pond, Beaver Park Lagoon, Black Pond, Clarks Mill Pond, Clarktown Pond, Dayton Pond, Hancock Brook Flood Control Pond, Hop Brook Flood Control Pond, Housatonic Lake, Lake Chamberlain, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Saltonstall, Lake Stibbs, Lake Wintergreen, Lake Zoar, Maltby Lakes, North Farms Reservoir, Pages Millpond, Picketts Pond, Prospect Park Pond, Quonnipaug Lake, Scovill Reservoir, Silver Lake, Southford Falls Pond, Upper Fulton Park Pond, Wards Millpond, Wharton Pond, Woodruff’s Pond

Major Trout Streams – Bladens Brook, Branford, Chatfield Hollow Brook, Eight Mile Brook, Farm, Hop Brook, Little, Menunketesuck Brook, Mill, Muddy, Nonnewaug, Pomperaug, Quinnipiac, Sprain Brook, Weekeepeemee Brook, Wepawaug

Around New London/Norwich:

Lakes - Amos Lake, Andersons Pond, Ashland Pond, Aspinook Pond, Avery Pond, Babcock Pond, Billings Lake, Bog Meadow Pond, Day Pond, Dodge Pond, Fitchville Pond, Fort Shantok Pond, Gardner Lake, Glasgo Pond, Godfrey Pond, Gorton Pond, Green Falls Reservoir, Hallville Pond, Hewitt Flyfishing Pond, Hewitt Pond (lower), Hodge Pond, Hopeville Pond, Horse Pond, Lake of Isles, Lantern Hill Pond, Long Pond, Mohegan Park Pond, Norwich Pond, Pachaug Pond, Pataganset Lake, Pickerel Lake, Powers Lake, Red Cedar Lake, Rogers Lake, Savin Lake, Sawmill Park Pond, Uncas Lake, Wyassup Lake

Major Trout Streams – Beaver Brook, Broad Brook, Choate Brook, Eight Mile, Gardner Brook, Green Falls, Hunts Brook, Indiantown Brook, Jeremy, Judd Brook, Latimers Brook, Meadow Brook, Mt Misery Brook, Myron Kinney Brook, Pachaug, Salmon, Shunock Brook, Susquetonscut Brook, Whitford’s, Wood, Yantic

Around Torrington/Winsted:

Lakes - Bantam Lake, Black Rock Pond, Black Rock Flood Control Pond, Burr Pond, Colebrook Flood Control Pond, Dog Pond, East Twin Lake, Hatch Pond, Highland Lake, Indian Pond, Lake Lillinonah, Lake McDonough, Leonard Pond, Mad River Flood Control Pond, Mohawk Pond, Mt. Tom Pond, Mudge Pond, Northfield Brook Flood Control Pond, Northfield Cutlery Co. Pond, Park Pond, South Spectacle Pond, Stillwater Pond, Tyler Pond, Waramaug Lake, West Branch (Hogsback) Reservoir, West Hill Pond, West Side Pond, West Twin Lake, Winchester Lake, Winnemaug Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake, Wood Creek Pond, Zeiner’s Pond

Major Trout Streams – Aspetuck, Bantam, Blackberry, Butternut Brook, Carse Brook, Farmington, Furnace Brook, Hall Meadow Brook, Housatonic, Lead Mine Brook, Macedonia Brook, Mad, Morgan Brook, Morissey Brook, Naugatuck, Nepaug, Pomperaug, Sandy Brook, Shepaug, Still, Whiting

Around Vernon/Mansfield:

Lakes - Bald Mountain Pond, Bigelow Pond, Bishop Swamp, Bolton Lakes, Bolton Notch Pond, Breakneck Pond, Coventry Lake, Crystal Lake, Eagleville Lake, Gay City Park Pond, Hamilton Reservoir, Holbrook Pond, Johnson Pond, Lafayette Pond, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Mansfield Training School Ponds, Mashapaug Lake, Mono Pond, Morey Pond, Shenipsit Reservoir, Somersville Mill Pond, Stateline Pond, Tankerhoosen Lakes, Walkers Reservoir, Whitney Flood Control Pond

Major Trout Streams - Bigelow Brook, Blackledge, Broad Brook, Charter Brook, Crystal Lake Brook, Fawn Brook, Fenton, Furnace Brook, Great Meadow Brook, Hockanum, Hop, Judd Brook, Mt Hope, Natchaug, Quanduck Brook, Quinebaug, Roaring Brook, Scantic, Skungamaug, Tankerhoosen, Willimantic

Around Willimantic/Danielson:

Lakes - Alexander Lake, Beach Pond, Beachdale Pond, Beaver Brook Ponds, Bicentennial Pond, Black Pond, Griggs Pond, Halls Pond, Hampton Reservoir, Keach Pond, Killingly Pond, Lawton Pond, Little Pond, Moosup Pond, Muddy Pond, Paine Pond, Perry Pond, Pine Acres Lake, Quaddick Reservoir, Roseland Lake, Ross Pond, Tetrault Pond, Wauregan Reservoir, West Thompson Lake

Major Trout Streams - Bigelow Brook, Blackwells Brook, Five Mile Brook, Five Mile R, French, Kitt Brook, Little, Mashamoquet Brook, Merrick Brook, Middle, Mount Misery, Muddy Brook, Natchaug, Quinebaug, Shetucket, Snake Meadow Brook, Still, Willimantic

Content last reviewed March 2020.

Walking and hiking are healthy ways to reduce stress during this difficult time, but make sure to adhere to social distancing as outlined by the CDC - even when outdoors!

Governor Lamont has allowed the trails and grounds of Connecticut State Parks and Forests to remain open for solitary outdoor enjoyment.  If you plan on visiting a park, it should be for solitary recreation, not group activities.

However, please note, to prevent community spread of COVID-19, indoor spaces at State Parks and Forests are closed and public restrooms will be closed at most state parks. 

A list of parks near FCBuzz can be found here:

CT DEEP is providing up to the minute information about our parks here

Please plan ahead as many amenities and indoor facilities are closed. Connecticut State Parks and Forests urges you to take the following steps to enhance “social distancing” when enjoying the outdoors:

• If you’re not feeling well, stay home! 
• Rather than traveling to some of the most popular spots, for example, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Sleeping Giant State Park, or Bluff Point State Park, try a park you may not have visited before or one close to your home. Because most park and forest facilities do not have open restrooms, visitors are encouraged to plan a trip to a nearby park for a short, local visit.
• If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, choose a different park or trail, or return another day or time.
• Observe the CDC's minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people, whether you’re walking, biking, or hiking. Practice it and know what it looks like.
• Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell, or horn.
• Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to the park. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and equipment.

All state parks can be accessed by Connecticut residents free of charge, supported by the Passport to Parks program. 

The DEEP will be monitoring visitor capacity at the state’s most popular parks and may reduce the parking threshold to further limit the number of visitors and help to prevent overcrowding. For up-to-date information on park closures, follow @CTStateParks on Twitter.

Please be aware that the opening of camping season at Connecticut State Parks and Forests will be postponed until Memorial Day weekend in May, unless a further delay is required. All campground reservations that were made for stays prior to Memorial Day weekend will automatically be canceled and refunds will be processed. 

DEEP will be closely monitoring state and federal guidelines for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 and will make further adjustments to state park and forest operations as needed. More tips for safe enjoyment of outdoor spaces are available from the National Recreation and Parks Association at www.nrpa.org. 

To keep informed of the latest updates, please visit: Connecticut State Parks, follow us on Twitter @CTDEEPNEWS and @CTStateParks, and facebook.com/CTState

Declining crude oil prices continue to drive average gas prices lower this week, says AAA Northeast.

In Connecticut today, the statewide average of $2.29 is 13 cents cheaper compared to last week and 39 cents cheaper compared to last year.

A similar scenario is playing out on the national level: today’s national average price of $2.13 is also down 13 cents compared to last week and 49 cents lower compared to last year.

In the last week, crude oil prices dropped to $22 a barrel, a low not seen since 2002, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “Crude accounts for nearly 60% of the retail pump price so when crude is cheap, gas prices follow suit.”

Generally, gas prices tend to rise at the start of spring. “But, that’s not the case this year,” Mayko added. “With Americans staying home and practicing social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19, we’re seeing less traffic, which ultimately is driving down demand, increasing inventories and pushing pump prices down.”

The ongoing crude price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia is also contributing to the drop in prices and until the two countries end their standoff, domestic crude is likely to remain low, Mayko said.

Here's AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:

Greater Bridgeport                $2.40          Lower Fairfield County:                    $2.40

New Haven/Meriden            $2.28            Greater Hartford                                $2.26  

New London/Norwich          $2.27            Windham/Middlesex                        $2.21

                                                                   Statewide Average:  $2.29

Today, Oklahoma and Ohio register the lowest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $1.74 and $1.81, respectively. Hawaii and California continue to hold the highest prices in the nation with $3.48 and $3.21, respectively. Connecticut moved to the 15th spot on the list of states with the highest prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.

Today, Governor Ned Lamont released a list of businesses designated as essential.  Non-essential businesses are ordered to restrict their in-person workforce from going to work. The entire list along with the explanation is provided below.

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On March 20, 2020, The Governor issued Executive Order 7H, directing all businesses and nonprofit entities in the State of Connecticut to utilize, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely employ.  That order also directed that, no later than March 23, 2020 at 8 p.m., each non-essential business or nonprofit entity (and therefore not including or applicable to any state or local government agencies, quasi-public agencies, political subdivisions or other entities that do not constitute businesses or nonprofits) shall reduce the in-person workforce at each business location by 100% from pre-state of emergency declaration employment levels.  Executive Order 7H authorized the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (“DECD”) to provide legally binding guidance about which businesses are essential. Pursuant to that directive, DECD hereby issues the following guidance concerning which businesses and nonprofit entities are “essential” for purposes of Executive Order 7H.  

Nothing in this guidance shall be deemed to modify or supersede any current or future Executive Order that separately and specifically addresses a particular business or activity.  Specific businesses or activities separately addressed by other current or future Executive Orders issued pursuant to the current declared public health and civil preparedness emergency must comply with any such orders unless and until those orders are modified or terminated separately.    

THE ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OR NONPROFITS DESIGNATED IN THIS GUIDANCE are not subject to the in-person restriction set forth in Executive Order 7H.  With respect to non-essential businesses and nonprofits, this guidance applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and the steps they may take to request that designation.  

The guidelines set forth here apply to places of business. Non-essential businesses may continue activities that are conducted off-site (e.g. a customer’s home) and/or by telecommuting or working from home. 

Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 7J, issued on March 22, 2020, 1) non-essential retailers may be staffed on-site, provided that they may only offer remote ordering (e.g. phone, internet, mail, dropbox) and curb-side pick-up or delivery and 2) non-essential businesses and nonprofits to allow staff or third parties on site to the minimum extent necessary to provide security, maintenance and receipt of mail and packages. This includes, but is not limited to, auto, boat, bicycle, recreational vehicle, and all other vehicle sales, if conducted remotely. 

To the extent possible, employees of Essential Businesses whose duties are not critical to an Essential Business function described below should telecommute or utilize any work from home procedures available to them.  

For purposes of Executive Order 7H, “essential business,” means:

1. Essential workers in the 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors, as defined by the federal Department of Homeland Security unless otherwise addressed in a prior or future executive order pertaining to the existing declared public health and civil preparedness emergency.

2. Healthcare and related operations including:

• biotechnology therapies
• consumer health products and services
• doctor and dentist offices
• elder care, including adult day care
• health care plans and health care data
• home health care workers or aides
• hospitals
• manufacturing, distributing, warehousing, and supplying of pharmaceuticals, including research and development
• medical marijuana dispensaries and producers
• medical supplies and equipment providers, including devices, diagnostics, services, and any other healthcare related supplies or services
• medical wholesale and distribution
• nursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilities
• pharmacies
• physical therapy and chiropractic offices
• research and laboratory services, including testing and treatment of COVID-19
• veterinary and animal health services
• walk-in-care health facilities

3. Infrastructure including:

• airports/airlines
• commercial trucking
• dam maintenance and support
• education-related functions at the primary, secondary, or higher education level to provide support for students, including distribution of meals or faculty conducting e-learning
• hotels and other places of accommodation
• water and wastewater operations, systems, and businesses
• telecommunications and data centers
• transportation infrastructure including bus, rail, for-hire vehicles and vehicle rentals, and garages
• utilities including power generation, fuel supply, and transmission
• 4. All manufacturing and corresponding supply chains, including aerospace, agriculture, and related support businesses

5. Retail including:

• appliances, electronics, computers, and telecom equipment
• big-box stores or wholesale clubs, provided they also sell groceries, consumer health products, or operate a pharmacy
• convenience stores
• gas stations
• grocery stores including all food and beverage retailers
• guns and ammunition
• hardware, paint, and building material stores, including home appliance sales/repair
• liquor/package stores and manufacturer permittees
• pharmacies
• pet and pet supply stores

6. Food and agriculture, including:

• farms and farmer’s markets
• food manufacturing, processing, storage, and distribution facilities 
• nurseries, garden centers, and agriculture supply stores
• restaurants/bars (provided compliance with all applicable executive orders is maintained)

7. Services including:

• accounting and payroll services

• animal shelters or animal care or management, including boarding, grooming, pet walking and pet sitting 

• auto supply, repair, towing, and service, including roadside assistance

• bicycle repair and service

• building cleaning and maintenance

• child care services

• critical operations support for financial institutions

• financial advisors

• financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and check cashing services

• funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries

• insurance companies

• laundromats/dry cleaning

• legal and accounting services

• mail and shipping services

• marinas and marine repair and service

• news and media

• real estate transactions and related services, including residential leasing and renting

• religious services (subject to Executive Order 7D limiting gatherings to 50 people)

• storage for Essential Businesses

• trash and recycling collection, hauling, and processing

• warehouse/distribution, shipping, and fulfillment

8. Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations including:

• food banks

• homeless shelters and congregate care facilities

• human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care or support social service agencies

9. Construction including:

• all skilled trades such as electricians, HVAC, and plumbers 

• general construction, both commercial and residential

• other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes

• planning, engineering, design, bridge inspection, and other construction support activities

10. Services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of all residences and other buildings (including services necessary to secure and maintain non-essential workplaces):

• building cleaners or janitors

• building code enforcement

• disinfection

• doormen

• emergency management and response

• fire prevention and response

• general maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor

• home-related services, including real estate transactions, closings, appraisals, and moving services

• landscaping services

• law enforcement

• outdoor maintenance, including pool service

• pest control services

• security and maintenance, including steps reasonably necessary to secure and maintain non-essential businesses

• state marshals

11. 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 provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public including: 

• billboard leasing and maintenance

• child care services

• essential government services

• government owned or leased buildings

• information technology and information security

• logistics

• technology support

12. Defense 

• defense and national security-related business and operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the US government

If the function of your business is not listed above, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an Essential Business.

Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function as described above, should ONLY be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance.

To request designation as an Essential Business, please click here.

Restrictions on requesting designation as an Essential Business:

• Any business that only has a single occupant/employee (e.g. attendant) is deemed exempt and need not submit a request to be designated as an Essential Business.

If you have further questions not answered above, please submit them to DECD at decd.covid19@ct.gov.

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak.  “Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood,” the Red Cross says.

Many local blood drives are being postponed, but they are encouraging Fairfield residents to travel. You can find a Red Cross blood drive in or near FCBuzz here.

Please note: you must wait 28 days to donate following travel to China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea, or if you’ve been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. 

Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood.  Right now, eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to give soon. 

Learn about What to Know about Coronavirus and Our Enhanced Blood Donation Safety Protocols

Today, we celebrate puppies. Those furry bundles of unconditional love that bring so much joy to humans. We need that now more than ever.

"Rescue don’t shop" is the best rule of thumb when looking for a new pet.

Pet adoption is quickly becoming the preferred way to find a new puppy according to the Humane America Animal Foundation. The benefits of adopting a dog through a reputable agency over buying include:

• More affordable
• Most pets are housetrained
• All shots and vet appointments up to date

Adopt a Pet is North America's Largest Non-Profit Pet Adoption Website. You can find pets to adopt near FCBuzz by clicking on this link.

https://www.adoptapet.com/pet-search?clan_id=1&geo_range=50&location=Fairfield,%20CT

Adopt a Pet recommends finding out the ideal pet personality for you. Does the puppy fit with your lifestyle? With small kids?

Want to help in other ways?

1. You can look for volunteer opportunities here: https://www.adoptapet.com/volunteer/opportunities
2. Use social media to share pets up for adoption
3. Donate

Happy National Puppy Day, FCBuzz!

If you would like more information, please go here: https://www.adoptapet.com/get-involved

AAA is running a contest that will allow students to showcase their talents and help communicate a powerful message to drivers of all ages.

Students have until May 15 to enter in the AAA Northeast Video Contest for your chance to win more than $11,000.

We’re looking for original videos addressing the risks of marijuana-impaired driving.    

The winning videos will be shared on AAA Northeast’s social channels and on our website starting in June.

The contest is open to students in grades 9- 12 from cities and towns in the AAA Northeast territory.*

Enter the contest HERE.

If you have an Instagram account, follow @AAANortheast! We’ll be announcing the finalists on this platform.  And, if you have Facebook or Twitter, follow us there, too!

If you are a local business, HamletHub has created a form where you can provide community updates including special offerings as well as curbside pickup and delivery. Access the form here.

Testing places

The following is a list of testing hospitals within 25 miles of FCBuzz recommended by the Governor of the State of Connecticut.  Please understand that you must first call your doctor before going to these testing sites.

TESTING FOR COVID-19 

Question: How do I know if I should be tested for COVID-19, and where do I go to be tested? 

Answer: 

If an individual has a fever (greater than or equal to 100.0°) and a cough, or shortness of breath, please call your primary care provider for information regarding local testing locations. You will need an order from your primary care physician to be tested for COVID-19. If you do not have a primary care provider, and you have the symptoms of COVID-19 (a fever greater than or equal to 100.0°, and a cough or shortness of breath) please go to an urgent care center or to a federally qualified health center to get a doctor’s order to be tested.

TESTING CAPACITY AND SUPPLY OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Question: What is the state doing to ensure that there is adequate capacity for COVID-19 testing and a sufficient supply of protective equipment? 

Answer: 

Connecticut ordered personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Strategic National Stockpile. Due to high demand these items were on back order and so the supplies are expected to arrive March 19-20, 2020. Connecticut received significantly less than requested (only 14 percent of the initial request). State government agencies are implementing a plan to most efficiently distribute the equipment throughout the state. At the direction of Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the State of Connecticut 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.

RESTRICTIONS ON WORKPLACES FOR NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES

All workers at non-essential businesses in the state shall work from home. The governor is encouraging all businesses to employ, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work-from-home procedures that they can safely implement. The governor’s order excludes any essential business or entity providing essential services or functions, such as healthcare, food service, law enforcement, and similar critical services.

SCHOOL CLOSURES 

Question: Is my child’s school closed, and if so, until when? 

Answer: 

Governor Lamont has determined that to promote and secure the safety and protection of children in schools related to the risks of COVID-19, all public school classes will be canceled for all Connecticut students effective Tuesday, March 17 until at least March 31, 2020, and is encouraging private schools to follow the same schedule. As a result of evolving circumstances, the Governor has modified Executive Order 7 to account for the potential impact on schools that may be subject to longer-term cancellation of in-school classes and permits districts, upon reopening in the spring of 2020, to close schools on their normally scheduled end-dates, so long as local and regional boards of education provide 3/21/20 11 opportunities for continuity of education to all students to the greatest extent possible and consistent with federal and state guidance. 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTING

Question: Will Advanced Placement (AP) tests still be administered this spring? 

Answer: 

The College Board, administrator of Advanced Placement exams, is offering students access to free, live AP review lessons, delivered by AP teachers from across the country beginning on Wednesday, March 25th. These optional, mobile-friendly classes are designed to be used alongside work that may be given by schools. These classes will also be available on-demand, so teachers and students can access them at any time. These online classes are not dependent on current AP teachers continuing instruction as we know many AP teachers now face challenges that would make that impossible. Additionally, for the 2019-20 AP Exam administration only, we’re developing secure 45-minute online exams for each course. These streamlined digital exams will not require any test booklet shipments, external proctors, or any additional workload for schools. The exam content will focus on what most schools were able to complete by early-March. For each AP subject, there will be two different testing dates. By April 3rd, we’ll publish the full exam schedule including the specific free-response question types that will compromise each AP exam. Please find more details at: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/

CHILDCARE

Question: Will my child’s daycare center stay open?

Answer:

The state of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood is not instructing or requiring any program to close. Unless ordered by government officials, programs may remain open by their own determination which may be made considering guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Public Health and/or your local health department or district. Please be in direct touch with your childcare provider regarding plans to stay open or to close. As information regarding COVID-19 is continuing to evolve, the guidance provided by State Agencies is subject to change.

Question: Where can I find childcare if my child’s school is closed? 

Answer: 

Licensed family childcare homes may, within their licensed capacity, provide full-time care to enrolled school age children whose schools have closed due to the COVID-19 virus as done during school vacations. United Way of Connecticut’s 211 Infoline is available to help you locate childcare. You can reach the 211 Infoline by dialing 211 from any telephone, or online at https://www.211childcare.org.

For answers to additional questions including paid sick leave and family medical leave, click here.

10 CT winners of this year's award

Matthew Beaudoin, President & CEO of Mystic Knotwork in Mystic, CT has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2020 Connecticut Small Business Person of the Year, SBA’s top award, according to an announcement made by Mark S. Hayward, SBA’s Interim District Director.

“We are extremely delighted to honor a truly amazing line up of small business owners and champions this year, said Mark S. Hayward, SBA’s Connecticut Interim District Director. It is important to recognize these outstanding small businesses in the state as they are the job creators, innovators and the fabric of our local communities!” “We hope the small business community will join the SBA and our host, Connecticut SCORE for an inspiring awards luncheon on May 7th in New Haven, CT.”

SBA Connecticut Winners 2020

• Small Business Person of the Year - Matthew Beaudoin, Mystic Knotwork
• Exporter of the Year - Richard Leite, Simtech, Inc.,
• Minority-Owned Business of the Year - Maysa Akbar, Integrated Wellness Group
• Microenterprise - Susan & Paul Doyle, Oasis Senior Advisors
• Woman-Owned Business of the Year - Kelly Fisher, Kelly Construction Services
• Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Yr. - Dr. Rachel Stansel, Environics
• Manufacturer of the Year - Maria Pinto, Industrial Strength
• Home-Based Business of the Year - Sharon K. Lewis, AdviCoach
• Financial Champion of the Year - Gary Besser, M & T Bank
• Womens Business Center of the Yr. - Women's Business Development Council, Southeastern CT

These prestigious awards have been recognized every year since 1963. The President of the United States issues a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, recognizing the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year, the dates are May 3 -9, 2020 with national events planned in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Charlotte, Denver, and Orange County/Inland Empire. A

As part of National Small Business Week celebrated May 3-9, Connecticut SCORE has invited the U.S. Small Business Administration to highlight the impact of outstanding small business owners and small business champions throughout the state.

These businesses will be honored at the annual award luncheon. For more information and to register: https://conta.cc/2T90BAW.