The legislature extended the governor's emergency powers through Feb. 9, 2021 as coronavirus continues to impact Connecticut.
The five-month extension of the Public Health & Preparedness Emergency was done in an effort to use emergency powers judiciously to protect the state, Gov. Ned Lamont said.
The extension will provide an outlet to safely reopen the economy, protect and recover jobs, protect students and teachers as schools start to reopen, provide flexibility to hospitals, nursing homes and first responders, rapidly procure PPE, testing, systems and staff, and respond quickly to outbreaks, Lamont said.
Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano released a statement in response to the extension.
"The Governor and lawmakers discussed what would be an appropriate time period for an extension, if one was to be granted. However, no leader acquiesced to vote yes or no on any request for an expansion of his powers," Fasano said.
"Republican legislative leaders made it very clear that we have serious concerns about expanding any emergency powers without also implementing a plan to give the public a voice in the process which they have been entirely shut out of thus far. There is a process for the Governor to request an extension of his emergency powers and seek legislative approval. That process has not happened yet," Fasano continued.
Local
No new coronavirus deaths have been reported in Connecticut and hospitalizations have decreased by eight since Friday.
Hospitalizations in the state now stand at 52 and the death toll remains at 4,465.
An additional 384 people tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the state's total cases to 52,879.
There have been 45,572 tests performed since Friday. That is about a 0.85% positive test rate.
Lamont said 30% of Connecticut schools will be reopening full time this fall. Many of these schools are in rural or suburban areas, Lamont said. 28% of schools will be starting hybrid with plans to shift soon to full time. 41% of schools will utilize a hybrid format while 1% of schools will implement distance learning.
