CT Major Disaster Declaration Okayed by FEMA; CDC Issues Tri-State Travel Advisory

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— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) March 29, 2020

The Major Disaster Declaration for Connecticut Governor Lamont submitted to FEMA in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was approved on Sunday, unlocking additional federal assistance for state programs.

This means impacted state agencies and municipalities in all eight counties will be reimbursed for 75% of costs associated with their response and emergency protective measures.

The Governor’s other request for disaster assistance, including individual assistance that could provide Connecticut residents expanded unemployment assistance, food benefits, and child care assistance, remains under review by the White House.

“I am grateful that the federal government is recognizing the severity of this pandemic in Connecticut and the impact it is having on the health and safety of the people of our state. It is an important step in providing critical aid in our communities,” Governor Lamont said in a release Sunday.

“This funding is imperative to protecting the health and safety of the people of our state and further limiting the spread of this disease,” Lamont said. “I am grateful to our entire Congressional delegation who vigorously advocated for this declaration on our behalf. We will continue doing everything in our power to minimize both the health threat and the economic threat of this virus.”

On Saturday, Donald Trump talked about an enforced two-week quarantine around the New York tri-state area which would include Greenwich where the State announced Saturday there were 79 cases were confirmed as of Saturday. (Stamford: 86; Darien 26; Norwalk: 139; New Canaan: 20)

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he didn’t believe President Trump had the authority to impose a quarantine on the tri-state area, saying, “It would be illegal.”

“I’ve sued the federal government a number of times over the years. I do not believe it’s going to come to that on this,” Cuomo said. He suggested the move would amount to the federal government declaring war against New York.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said the governors had not been consulted by the White House before Trump’s statement.

Just hours later, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel advisory for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

Director of the CDC, Dr. Robert R. Redfield, Tweeted that the advisory urged residents to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days.

The advisory does not apply to employees of critical infrastructure industries, including but not limited to trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply.

In a media statement, Dr. Redfield said the Governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will have full discretion to implement the Domestic Travel Advisory.

See also:

Lamont Requests Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for COVID-19

March 26, 2020