Governor Ned Lamont has declared civil preparedness and public health emergencies.  The declarations also trigger price gouging laws, and make clear that municipal leaders have emergency powers to mitigate disasters and emergencies.

The second Connecticut resident that tested positive yesterday is a female in her 60s who is a healthcare worker at Bridgeport Hospital and a resident of Bethlehem. She recently returned from a trip to Nevada, where it is believed she contracted COVID-19. She is being treated at Bridgeport Hospital.

While the declarations permit the governor to take certain actions related to the closure of schools and large gatherings, at this time those decisions are still being delegated to local municipal and public health officials as they are on the ground closest to the circumstances in each respective community and are empowered to make the best judgements regarding specific events.

For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

The emergency statute provide pharmacists the discretion to fill a ninety-day refill of prescription drugs under certain circumstances, even if the original prescription was for a lesser amount. Assuming the other circumstances are met, including coverage under the customer’s health plan, the health insurance carriers will cover the refill quantity dispensed, without additional coinsurance, deductible or other out-of-pocket expense required from the patient. Patients will still be expected to provide the usual coinsurance, deductible, or other out-of-pocket expense associated with a ninety-day refill. Customers who rely on maintenance drugs to treat a chronic or long-term condition should contact their pharmacist to discuss acquiring these refills.