Report by Paula Antolini, March 11, 2020, 2:00PM EDT
Letter from Governor Ned Lamont:
March 10, 2020
The Honorable Denise Merrill
Secretary of the State
State Capitol Hartford, CT 06106
Frederick J. Jortner
Clerk of the State House of Representatives
State Capitol
Hartford, CT 06016
Michael Jefferson
Clerk of the State Senate
State Capitol
Hartford, CT 06016
RE: Declaration of Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergencies
Dear Secretary Merrill and Clerks of the General Assembly:
In response to the global pandemic of COVID 19 disease associated with a novel coronavirus that is currently affecting multiple countries and states and has resulted in the spread of infections in Connecticut and surrounding states, as well as resulting shortages of personal protective equipment and other supplies that could jeopardize public safety and civil preparedness, and in order to provide me and other appropriate officials with all authorities necessary to limit the spread of the COVID 19 coronavirus and protect public safety within the State of Connecticut, I hereby declare a public health emergency and civil preparedness
emergency throughout the State, pursuant to Sections 19a-131 a and 28-9 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Such public health emergency and civil preparedness emergency shall remain in effect through September 9th, 2020, unless terminated earlier by me.
Specifically, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-13 la (f), I hereby authorize and direct the Commissioner of Public Health to delegate the powers regarding isolation or quarantine to municipal and district directors of public health. Municipalities, local health officials, and local education officials are directed to follow previously issued guidance and apply relevant principles of risk management to decisions about whether to cancel, modify, or postpone large gatherings, public events, or travel.
Orders regarding additional measures to protect public health and safety, including suspension or modification of specific statutes, will follow as I determine to be necessary.
I am filing this declaration with you under my hand and seal on this 10th day of March 2020.
Ned Lamont
Governor
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