Additional COVID-19 resources

FOR THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE, UP TO DATE INFORMATION NATIONALLY AND LOCALLY PLEASE VISIT THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT COVID-19 PORTAL AND THE CDC COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGE.

Due to the increasing rate of COVID-19 in Connecticut, our offices are currently closed to the public. You can, however, work with us in the virtual world! Explore our various paid on-the-job virtual training and remote work programs to stay employed through COVID.

THE CURRENT ON COVID IN CONNECTICUT:

March 19th, 2021 Re-Opening:

Protocols that will remain in effect until further notice include:

Face coverings and masks continue to be required
Bars that only serve beverages continue to remain closed
11PM closing time remains in place for events at venues, restaurants, and entertainment
Indoor theaters continue to have a 50% capacity
Large event venues (e.g. stadiums) to open in April

All capacity limits will be eliminated for the following businesses, while face coverings, social distancing, and other cleaning and disinfecting protocols will continue to be required:

Restaurants (8-person table capacity and 11PM required closing time for dining rooms continues)
Retail
Libraries
Personal services
Indoor recreation (excludes theaters, which will continue to have a 50% capacity)
Gyms/fitness centers
Museums, aquariums, and zoos
Offices
Houses of worship
Gathering sizes will be revised to the following amounts:
- Social and recreational gatherings at private residence – 25 indoors/100 outdoors
- Social and recreational gatherings at commercial venues – 100 indoors/200 outdoors
All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed, subject to Department of Public Health guidance
Connecticut’s travel advisory will be modified from a requirement to recommended guidance

Beginning Monday, March 29, 2021:

Capacity limits on early childhood classes will increase from 16 to 20

Beginning Friday, April 2, 2021:

Outdoor amusement parks can open
Outdoor event venues can increase to a 50% capacity, capped at 10,000 people
Indoor stadiums can open at 10% capacity
Summer camps and summer festivals are advised to begin the planning stages to open for the upcoming season

Click here for Connecticut's Official State Website Sector Rules for Reopen

COVID-19 TESTING AND VACCINATION INFORMATION

Connecticut is currently in Phase 1b of its COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Click here for information on eligible individuals or Check your COVID-19 vaccine eligibility on Connecticut’s Official State Website here.

Looking for COVID-19 tests? Follow this link United Way 211 (211ct.org) to input your city and find testing locations closest to you.

Click here to learn about the COVID-19 Vaccine from the Connecticut Business & Industry Association.

HELP REBUILD THE ECONOMY! PROACTIVELY PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SPEED UP THE PACE OF ECONOMIC, EDUCATIONAL, AND COMMUNITY RECOVERY WHILE RESTORING CONNECTICUT’S QUALITY OF LIFE. LET THE WORKFORCE BOARD HELP YOU FIND A JOB TODAY!

LINKS FOR UPDATED CT DOL ON FILING HERE

Helpful information for claimants

The same information is available by viewing these Frequently asked questions by CTDOL, or downloading this PDF about questions about filing.

If you are a client of JFES, SNAP, HUSKY or use any DSS services, you can find information here.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Unemployment Insurance:

Individuals unemployed due to COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits, even if they would not normally be eligible. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. To file a claim, visit www.filectui.com, and click the link that says ‘For quicker payment of unemployment benefit, please follow this tutorial.’ For a comprehensive guide to unemployment benefits, visit http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF. To find the contact information for social services in your town, click here, enter your zip code or town, and press 🔎.

Temporary Family Assistance (TFA):

Low-income families residing in Connecticut with children under age 18 may be eligible for Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) through the Department of Social Services (DSS). TFA is a time-limited cash assistance program that provides monthly cash for basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and employment assistance. Unsure if you are eligible for TFA? Complete the 2-1-1 Navigator at http://www.211navigator.com/. The DSS field offices are currently closed to the public, but individuals can apply for TFA online at connect.ct.gov or by calling the DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-6-CONNECT.

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

If you are a small business with operations effected by COVID-19 please check the links below for assistance:

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan information
SBA resource guide to loan information
IRS information regarding payroll & taxes

EMPLOYER and CITIZEN RESOURCES

Northwestern CT Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Guide
Danbury, CT information
Waterbury, CT information
Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employees

JOB SEEKER RESOURCES/JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE

If you are seeking employment, please see a list of employers hiring essential workers immediately by clicking HERE.

To make an appointment for a virtual/over the phone employment support session with Career Resource, INC please click here.
For a national registry of jobs available now, please visit https://needajobnow.usnlx.com/

CHILDCARE RESOURCES

Click the following links to connect to Connecticut's Official State Website COVID-19 Childcare Resources:

CTOEC Child Care Referral Support for Teachers and Board of Education Employees

Child Care for Essential Workers
Child Care Provider Referrals (statewide)
Connecticut Child Development Infoline (English and Español)
COVID-19 Information for After Schools and Child Care Providers
Keeping Your New Baby Safe In the Time of COVID-19
Office of Early Childhood Response to COVID-19