Gov. Ned Lamont says he'll sign an executive order advising residents to wear masks while interacting in public.
Items from the governor's Wednesday briefing:
UNMASKING NEW POLICY
--Lamont says his mask policy will be "self-enforced," and not quite universal. There will be an executive order to explain. Basically, if you're in public and near people (or if you're working in a store), you have to wear one. But if you're outside and not near anyone, you're free to go barefaced. This policy stops short of the new mandate from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, which requires mask-wearing in public.
--The policy refers to cloth masks, not the N-95 masks that have been scarce and are desperately needed in professional settings.
Gov. Lamont: "If you keep your social distance, you don't have to wear a mask... If you're walking down the block and you're by yourself, that's fine."
INSURANCE COVERAGE BOLSTERED
--Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais says most private health insurance will cover COVID-19 testing and treatment without co-pay; he's encouraging company-funded plans to do the same. Check with your insurer.
--"Front-line" medical workers in CT and MA should soon be eligible for $25,000 of no-cost life insurance through a new Mass Mutual plan called HealthBridge.
--If you're in need to health coverage, the special enrollment period for Access Health CT ends this Friday, April 17. Call 855-365-2428.
Commissioner Mais on Access Health CT: "Most people who get COVID-19 will be fine, but if you're not, the cost can be tremendous. So, I would think this would be a great opportunity to go get health insurance."
UPDATED NUMBERS FROM CT DPH
--197 #COVID19 deaths reported in CT, not all in the last 24 hours (some "catch-up" data included in that number). 868 total dead statewide during the crisis.
--683 of 868 deaths (78.7%) age 70 or older.
--766 newly confirmed cases, for a total of 14,755
--50,143 people now tested (roughly 1.4% of the state population)
GALLERY-FREE TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP
--Golf Digest reports that the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands will be played as scheduled, June 25-28, likely with no fans admitted. Gov. Lamont says he supports the idea, saying late June doesn't seem like too soon.
