Blogs

Latest Guidance:

• Face Coverings: Following recommendation from the CDC for everyone to wear cloth face coverings in public settings to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Governor signed an executive order directing face coverings to be worn by anyone in public wherever a six-foot distance is unavoidable, including by employees while in the workplace. A CDC video explains how to make a face covering. This does not apply to anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition. Guidance on face coverings has been issued to the state's businesses.
• Stay Safe, Stay Home: The Governor signed an executive order directing Connecticut residents to "Stay Safe, Stay Home." It directs all nonessential businesses statewide to prohibit in-person functions. Guidance has been issued to the state's businesses. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers: All workplaces considered essential must follow Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Gatherings: All social and recreational gatherings of more than 5 people are prohibited. This includes things such as sports, parades, concerts, festivals, live performances, and conventions. Religious, spiritual, and worship gatherings of more than 50 are prohibited. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Food establishments: Restaurants and bars that serve food are required to provide take-out and delivery services for off-premise consumption only. These establishments must limit entrance of customers to the minimum extent necessary to pick up and/or pay for orders, and use touchless payment if available. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Retail establishments: Stores that are permitted to stay open under the "Stay Safe, Stay Home" executive order must follow "Safe Store Rules" that several requirements, such as a cap on occupancy at 50% capacity, and floor markings measuring 6 feet must be at checkout lines, among other items. Guidance has been issued detailing all of the "Safe Store Rules." This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Gyms, movie theaters, hair and nail salons: All gyms, fitness centers, and similar sports venues; theaters and cinemas; and hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, spas, and tattoo parlors are closed. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Schools: Classes at all public schools are canceled. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Travelers: Any person coming into Connecticut by any mode of transportation for any reason is strongly urged to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Connecticut covid-19 updates

Latest Guidance:

• Face Coverings: Following recommendation from the CDC for everyone to wear cloth face coverings in public settings to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Governor signed an executive order directing face coverings to be worn by anyone in public wherever a six-foot distance is unavoidable, including by employees while in the workplace. A CDC video explains how to make a face covering. This does not apply to anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition. Guidance on face coverings has been issued to the state's businesses.
• Stay Safe, Stay Home: The Governor signed an executive order directing Connecticut residents to "Stay Safe, Stay Home." It directs all nonessential businesses statewide to prohibit in-person functions. Guidance has been issued to the state's businesses. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers: All workplaces considered essential must follow Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Gatherings: All social and recreational gatherings of more than 5 people are prohibited. This includes things such as sports, parades, concerts, festivals, live performances, and conventions. Religious, spiritual, and worship gatherings of more than 50 are prohibited. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Food establishments: Restaurants and bars that serve food are required to provide take-out and delivery services for off-premise consumption only. These establishments must limit entrance of customers to the minimum extent necessary to pick up and/or pay for orders, and use touchless payment if available. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Retail establishments: Stores that are permitted to stay open under the "Stay Safe, Stay Home" executive order must follow "Safe Store Rules" that several requirements, such as a cap on occupancy at 50% capacity, and floor markings measuring 6 feet must be at checkout lines, among other items. Guidance has been issued detailing all of the "Safe Store Rules." This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Gyms, movie theaters, hair and nail salons: All gyms, fitness centers, and similar sports venues; theaters and cinemas; and hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, spas, and tattoo parlors are closed. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Schools: Classes at all public schools are canceled. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
• Travelers: Any person coming into Connecticut by any mode of transportation for any reason is strongly urged to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Connecticut covid-19 updates

NHPD Continues Investigation of Lock-Up Death

New Haven| New Haven Police are continuing to investigate the untimely death of 31 year old De’Sohn Wilson in the Union Avenue Detention Center at 1 Union Avenue.  The New Haven man died Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

In response to a gathering of the man’s family on the steps of police headquarters today, New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes is offering his condolences and an update on the investigation.  Chief Reyes said, “While any untimely death is disheartening, it is especially disheartening to those of us at this police department when the person dies in our custody. Our department offers its condolences to the family and the community.”

Chief Reyes said New Haven Police followed its protocol for an in-custody death by immediately launching an investigation of the incident.  The Chief added, “NHPD detectives responded to the detention facility and held the scene for a full investigation. In addition to making notification to the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, our department has reviewed our collected investigative material with the State’s Attorney’s Office.”

Chief Reyes said per protocol, he launched an internal investigation into the incident.  According to the Chief, NHPD Internal Affairs is reviewing operating procedures and practices at the time of the incident.  

Chief Reyes is offering again to meet with the family and representatives of the deceased and review the department’s investigation.   The Chief added, “While the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has made available to our department some of its preliminary findings about the death of Mr. Wilson, the Medical Examiner’s Office has not issued a final report as they await the return of a toxicology report.  Thus far, the preliminary evidence indicates the death was a suicide. The NHPD can certainly share with the family what information we have.”  

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker expressed his sympathy to the family and said, “I am saddened by the loss of a member of our community.  I offer my condolences to De’Sohn’s family. I have been in close contact with Chief Reyes and I have confidence that he and the department will conduct an appropriate review

The City of New Haven is opening a temporary drop-in center located at Blake Field designed to address the needs of our unsheltered individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This site will function as a triage site to identify and provide resources to individuals experiencing homelessness while connecting them to medical and behavioral health services, as well as addressing their basic needs like access to food, showers, and an opportunity for shelter.

This is not an overnight facility. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. It will serve as a check-in facility where people can use bathrooms, showers, get medical assistance, and take their temperature to ensure they are not showing symptoms of COVID-19.  We understand this site is near East Rock Magnet School, and we assure you that the hours of operation at this site will not overlap with the school meals program nearby.

If you feel you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please find testing information on the City of New Haven’s website or call the New Haven Health Department Emergency Line at (203) 946-4949.

Please stay safe and stay home. Thank you so much for your continued cooperation

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The City of New Haven is opening a temporary drop-in center located at Blake Field designed to address the needs of our unsheltered individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This site will function as a triage site to identify and provide resources to individuals experiencing homelessness while connecting them to medical and behavioral health services, as well as addressing their basic needs like access to food, showers, and an opportunity for shelter.

This is not an overnight facility. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. It will serve as a check-in facility where people can use bathrooms, showers, get medical assistance, and take their temperature to ensure they are not showing symptoms of COVID-19.  We understand this site is near East Rock Magnet School, and we assure you that the hours of operation at this site will not overlap with the school meals program nearby.

If you feel you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please find testing information on the City of New Haven’s website or call the New Haven Health Department Emergency Line at (203) 946-4949.

Please stay safe and stay home. Thank you so much for your continued cooperation

 In response to the disproportionate rates of COVID-19 cases in our communities of color, our team has been working closely with local partners. I’d like to announce the opening of Murphy Medical Associates testing site in the Dwight and West River neighborhoods. This location is behind the Amistad School on the corner of Day Street and Chapel Street. To sign up for testing, you can visit coronatestct.com or call the Health Department at (203) 946-4949, and we can sign you up over the phone. The Murphy Medical Associates site is the fifth testing site that has been activated in New Haven, along with Fair Haven Community Health Center, Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, CVS, and Yale-New Haven Hospital. Thank you to all our partners for helping our communities that need it the most.

If you are unable to get a test at any of our community-based testing sites, the CVS rapid testing site is offering rides with taxi service M7. Just call 2-1-1, have your confirmation number ready, and schedule your ride. If you would like to sign up to get tested at any of the available facilities, please find information on the City of New Haven’s website or call the New Haven Health Department Emergency Line at (203) 946-4949.

Please stay safe and stay home.

New Haven| New Haven Police continue to investigate the death of a man found stabbed on a Congress Avenue sidewalk adjacent to a Cedar Street medical building.  His death is being investigated as a homicide.

Around midnight at 12:01 a.m., New Haven Police and Fire responded to a 911 call of a person stabbed.  Arriving officers learned there had been a dispute and physical altercation between two men prior to one man stabbing the other and fleeing on foot.

An ambulance transported the victim to the nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The victim is believed to be a New Haven man.  His identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

NHPD Major Crimes detectives and NHPD Bureau of Identification forensic detectives responded to the crime scene which included sections of Congress Avenue, Cedar Street, and Gilbert Street. Investigators held the crime scene overnight and canvassed adjacent streets.

Detectives continue to ask witnesses and anyone with information to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304.  Callers may remain anonymous or submit tips anonymously by calling 1-866-888-TIPS (1-866-888-8477).  Tips can also be texted.  Text “NHPD” plus your message to short code 274637 (CRIMES).

Today’s death is the third New Haven homicide of 2020.  The second homicide of the year was the death of 24 year old Nathaniel Henry on March 25.  18 year old Dashown Myers was the city’s first homicide victim of the year on February 23.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Fire Chief John Alston released the following statement regarding an internal overtime investigation in the New Haven Fire Department:

On this date, my office was made aware of a potential issue regarding overtime discrepancies. Overtime is reviewed by my office two times weekly: once from the Office of Management and Budget then once again from the Fire Department budget lines. Collaboratively, we look for trends and potential gaps which may trigger spikes. This allows the Department to determine if shifts are properly staffed and address other issues as necessary, with an eye to the safety of everyone in the city as well as maintaining a healthy respect for the contribution of taxpayers.

All overtime entries are tied to actions, events and emergencies. They are logged in the FIREHOUSE Software system and then pushed into the city’s payroll system MUNIS. There have been issues in the past of proper coding of entries, which we have diligently worked to correct.

Since the onset of this pandemic, the New Haven Fire Department members, Staff in Operations, the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Training Division have literally been working around the clock. The New Have Fire Department has responded to over 600 calls which were COVID19 related. A total of 95 members were exposed, 20 have tested positive and in the process, we place them off duty. This creates additional overtime in ‘backfilling’ those positions. Many are working in roles which require them to work odd hours that exceed their normal work schedule. Both their contract with the City and our broader social contract require that they be compensated for providing this life-saving service whenever the call for service is made by a member of our community.

We have initiated an investigation into this matter, and at the initial review, it appears all current overtime activity is justified and approved. Considering all information is logged into the system, we will be able to provide a final report, after working with the Office of Management and Budget to perform an internal audit of our practices.

I continue to be proud of the work by the members of the New Haven Fire Department, and I ask that any reports of potential discrepancies or misconduct be shared with me, Mayor Justin Elicker, the Board of Fire Commissioners, or the appropriate union. It is only together that we will emerge from this global pandemic stronger, smarter, and with greater community resolve.

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The Small Business Administration will be getting $310B in funding for the Payment Protection Program, with $125B specifically for under-banked and minority-owned businesses, and $10B in an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance. The SBA will process these applications on a first-come, first-serve basis as they receive them from SBA-approved banks or lenders.

If you run a small business or non-profit, are a sole proprietor, or a contractor you should immediately apply by going to the City of New Haven’s COVID-19 website and clicking on the “Together New Haven” link. The first round of money that was released 3 weeks ago was used up in 14 days. If you need assistance, call the City of New Haven at (203) 946-7050 and we can direct you to the right place.

Thank you for your cooperation throughout this challenging time. I encourage you to stay home and stay safe.

New Haven Mayor to Host COVID-19 Press Briefing

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond will be hosting press availability regarding all updates surrounding the City’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Today’s press briefing will be at 4:00 PM. The COVID-19 situation is evolving every day, and the City of New Haven wants to provide accurate and current information regarding the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 Daily Press Briefing

Mayor Justin Elicker & Health Director Maritza Bond

Friday, March 20, 2020

New Haven Hall of Records

200 Orange Street, on the steps of the Hall of Records

New Haven, CT 06510

4:00 PM

New Haven Police Arrest Man Seeking Sex With Minor

New Haven| On Friday, March 13, 2020, 33 year old Christopher Brereton drove from his home in Fargo, North Dakota with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with a 15 year old minor.  Brereton arrived at a pre-arranged New Haven location and was met instead by New Haven Police Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives and Homeland Security Investigations special agents.

The investigation began in January after Brereton initiated a conversation with a 15 year old female. One conversation was intercepted by a family member of the teen who then notified New Haven Police.

SVU Detective Leonardo Soto and a Homeland Security special agent continued the undercover social media chats with Brereton and eventually arranged a meeting with him.

Brereton was arrested on scene and charged with the following:

• Criminal attempt sexual assault second degree.
• Criminal attempt possession of child pornography third degree.
• Commercial sexual abuse of a minor.
• Enticing a minor by computer.
• Risk of Injury to a minor. 

Bond was set at $200,000.  Christopher Brereton was held at the NHPD Union Avenue Detention Center and transferred today to an arraignment hearing in New Haven Superior Court at 121 Elm Street

New Haven Organizations and Artists Awarded Arts Endowment Funding and Fellowship Grants

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, and Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Adriane Jefferson stated their excitement following the announcement of endowment funding and fellowship grants to New Haven artists and organizations from Artist Fellowship Program from the Department of Economic and Community Development Office of the Arts and the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund (CAEF). The CAEF was created by the State Legislature to improve and sustain private-sector funding to ensure that arts organizations can thrive long-term. The Artist Fellowship program continues to provide competitive grants to assist in developing Connecticut artists by supporting their new work, goals, and creative ideas.  

Arts and Cultural Affairs Director, Adriane Jefferson stated, “I am delighted to see New Haven-based artists and arts organizations receive grant funding from the State of Connecticut, Office of the Arts. New Haven has immense cultural capital, and it is so imperative to our creative eco-system that we continue to recognize and provide tangible resources to our arts and cultural organizations, as well as our individual artists that help to shape the infrastructure—not just of New Haven, but of Connecticut.” 

There are three grant designations for the Artist Fellowship Program: Artistic Excellence grant of $5,000, the Artistic Fellowship grant of $3,000, and the Emerging Recognition grant of $1,000. Over $20,000 has been awarded to the following New Haven artists: 

  Rachel Bernsen $3,000.00

  Jay Eddy $3,000.00

  Jacquelyn Gleisner $3,000.00

  Kyle Kearson $1,000.00

  Meredith Miller $3,000.00

  Aedan O'Brien $1,000.00

  Kevin Sherwin $1,000.00

  Gabriella Svenningsen Omonte $3,000.00

  Thuan Vu $5,000.00

The CAEF is under the purview of the State Treasurer, and funding is administered by the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA). Art organizations that qualify for interest earned on the Fund’s principal must raise over $15,000 in contributions from the private sector and non-governmental entities for at least two years. Over $100,000 has been endowed to the following local organizations: 

  New Haven Architecture Resource Center $500.00

  New Haven Artspace, Inc. $3,450.00

  New Haven Creative Arts Workshop $2,832.00

  New Haven Elm Shakespeare Company $2,630.00

  New Haven International Festival of Arts & Ideas $9,073.00

  Long Wharf Theatre $37,051.00

  Music Haven, Inc. $5,129.00

  Neighborhood Music School $4,227.00

  New Haven Ballet $1,238.00

  New Haven Chorale, Inc. $1,197.00

  New Haven Community Chorus $500.00

  New Haven Folk, Inc. $500.00

  New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Inc. $13,199.00

  New Haven Arts Council $2,087.00

  New Haven Orchestra New England, Inc. $619.00

  Shubert Theater/CAPA $40,102.00

“New Haven is a place where we see how the arts can make a positive impact on the lives of all communities,” stated Mayor Justin Elicker. “Though we are facing tough fiscal challenges, I am excited to know that many New Haven artists and organizations are continuing to receive State funding to pursue their goals and actualize their potential by embracing the arts.” 

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City to Host Tabletop Exercise on Coronavirus

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The City of New Haven will be hosting a tabletop workshop exercise on coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Emergency Operations Center at the Hall of Records. As this is also the peak of the flu season, the City’s goal is to ensure that all City internal public safety agencies and external stakeholders are sharing preparedness steps and operational plans for any emergency response that may be necessary.

City Exercise on Coronavirus

Emergency Operations Center

200 Orange Street

New Haven, CT 06510

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

12:30 PM — 2:00 PM

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Clifford Beers Grant Award Press Conference

Joined by Lt..Gov. Bysiewicz, Dr. Forrester at the Clifford Beers Clinic, William Halsey at DSS, Commissioner Dorantes at CDCF, Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon at DMHAS,

Commissioner Bye at OEC, Rep. Toni Walker

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

New Haven City Hall

165 Church Street, 2^nd Floor Atrium

New Haven, CT 06510

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Speaking at Mardi Gras Celebration

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Ives Main Library, 133 Elm Street

New Haven, CT 06510

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Testifying at the Housing Committee

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Legislative Office Building

300 Capitol Avenue, Room 2A

Hartford, CT 06106

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

Visiting the HOPE Family Justice Center

Thursday, February 27, 2020

142 Temple Street, 3^rd Floor

New Haven, CT 06510

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM

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Severe Cold Weather Protocol Issued

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The City of New Haven will activate its Severe Cold Weather Protocol due to extremely cold temperatures for the area. Temperatures are expected to be in the low single digits during the overnight hours on Friday. City libraries will serve as warming areas during regular business hours at all locations. All City Homeless Shelters and the Overnight Warming Centers will also extend hours and capacities as directed. This protocol will be in effect beginning tomorrow Friday, February 14^th, at 12:00 noon and will end Saturday, February 15^th, at 12:00 noon.

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Senator Blumenthal, Mayor Elicker, Health Officials, and Local Elected Officials

to Host Press Conference in Response to Federal Budget Cuts

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Tomorrow afternoon U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, New Haven Health Officials, members of the Board of Alders, and other elected officials will hold a press conference in response to the $1.9 trillion in budget cuts proposed in the 2021 Federal Budget from the Trump Administration. This proposed budget includes cuts to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), education, Section 8, food stamps, and various other programs many Connecticut residents rely on. The proposed budget awaits a vote with the U.S. House of Representatives.

Federal Budget Press Conference

Friday, February 14, 2020

New Haven City Hall

165 Church St., 2^nd Floor Atrium

New Haven, CT

12:45 PM

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