100.31 2020-04-03 Complaint PDF
100.31 2020-04-03 Complaint PDF
v.
Complaint
The Coronavirus pandemic poses an imminent and grave threat to the thousands
of men and women confined in Connecticut’s unified prison system. In this action,
lawyers—seek intervention from the Court to force the governor and correction
commissioner to discharge their statutory and constitutional duties to care for the
health of people in their custody. For weeks, Defendants have known about the looming
threat to incarcerated people. While Governor Lamont and Commissioner Cook have
made attempts to mitigate the dangers posed by the virus, conditions of confinement in
prisons prevent them from ensuring the safety and livelihood of thousands of those in
their care. As public health experts indicate, the only feasible way to mitigate the disease
within prison and jails is to take swift action – before the disease hits – to significantly
decrease the population in custody so that social distancing may be practiced and at-risk
groups are out of harm’s way. The steps taken by Defendants are insufficient in light of
1
the grave risks presented by the present crisis, necessitating court intervention through
Parties
3. Its members represent clients held in each of the facilities controlled by the
4. CCDLA engages in education and advocacy for the fair treatment of those accused
of crimes, and for positive changes in Connecticut’s criminal and motor vehicle
May, but has been told by DOC that no one will be released to a halfway house
2
8. Plaintiff Marvin Jones is a person being held at the New Haven Correctional
Center because he cannot afford his $5,000 bond. On account of a past injury, he
Correction.
12. The pathogen “is both highly contagious and deadly,” spreading from person to
person through “respiratory droplets, close personal contact, and from contact
13. There is no vaccine or cure for the virus; the focus on combatting it “is on
14. Although the virus is highly dangerous to all humans, the United States Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified particular danger for
“adults over 60 years old and people with chronic medical conditions,” which
pregnancy.” Id. ¶ 7.
3
15. By early March 2020, the virus had spread to the New York City metro area, and
16. On March 10th, defendant Gov. Lamont declared a dual emergency of public
health and civil preparedness until September 2020 on account of the virus. Gov.
Lamont, Letter to the Secretary of the State (Mar. 10, 2020), available at
https://tinyurl.com/wptdlw6.
17. Since then, Governor Lamont has issued eighteen Executive Orders intended to
18. Governor Lamont’s Executive Orders have found that COVID-19 “spreads easily
from person to person and may result in serious illness or death,” and that the
“risk of severe illness and death...appears to be higher for individuals who are 60
years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions.” Gov.
19. The Executive Orders have also found that there is a dire need for people to keep
the disease. Most recently, the defendant forbade “social and recreational
gatherings of . . . six (6) or more people.” Lamont Exec. Order 7N at 4 (Mar. 28,
20. The defendant has repeatedly highlighted the particular threat COVID-19 poses
to institutional and congregant housing. His first order found that “there is an
increased risk of rapid spread of COVID-19 among persons who are living in
4
congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities.” Lamont Exec. Order No. 7
at 1.
21. He later reiterated his findings of the risk posed by congregate settings, adding
and intellectual disabilities.” Lamont Exec. Order No. 7C at 2 (Mar. 15, 2020)
(Exhibit 4).
22. On March 28, the defendant again acknowledged public health guidance to
reduce human density in closed spaces, recognizing that the “Centers for Disease
Control has recommended that states, especially those with higher rates of
growth in the number of infected people, take measures to reduce density within
homeless shelters and other congregant housing situations.” Lamont Exec. Order
23. Governor Lamont has also spoken to the press about the dangers of close quarter
for the spread of COVID-19. Patrick Skahill, Connecticut Tracks COVID-19 Cases
But Doesn’t Keep Nursing Home Tally, WNPR, Mar. 27, 2020,
https://www.wnpr.org/post/connecticut-tracks-covid-19-cases-doesnt-keep-
nursing-home-tally.
24. As a result of these conclusions, Governor Lamont has restricted entry into
serving sit-in customers and closed gyms, fitness centers, and movie theaters;
5
closed malls; postponed the presidential primary; and limited the workplace
notarization. See Lamont Exec. Order No. 7G at 3-4 (Mar. 19, 2020), (Exhibit 8);
Lamont Exec. Order No. 7Q at 2-3 (Mar. 30, 2020) (Exhibit 18).
26. Although Governor Lamont has shown great concern for the general public and
businesses of the state, the interventions he and Commissioner Cook have issued
27. As of April 2nd, there were 3,241 people in pre-trial detention, and 8,580 people
28. Those figures have not materially changed since the outbreak of the COVID-19
virus in Connecticut. On January 1, 2020, for example, there were 3,393 people
29. The threat to the health and lives of Connecticut’s incarcerated population falls
30. As of March 1, 2020, Black people comprised 5,349 of the 12,411 people in
31. The 2010 decennial census identified Black people as comprising 11% of
Connecticut’s population.
6
32. As of March 1, 2020, Latinx people comprised 3,307 of the 12,411 people in
33. The 2010 decennial census identified Latinx people as comprising 16.5% of
Connecticut’s population.
34. Many people in the defendants’ custody are needlessly facing danger as the
35. Approximately 200 people—like Mr. Jones—are being held on a bail of $50,000
or less, that is, they are in a highly dangerous congregate living situation for lack
36. Approximately 4,000 of the roughly 12,000 people in Connecticut prisons are
within ninety days of their sentence end, by which time the pandemic is likely to
be still raging.
38. 3,339 are parole-eligible, yet remain within the walls of Connecticut prisons as
39. In addition, Connecticut’s prison population is aging. 595 of the people in the
state custody are age sixty or older like Mr. Johnson, a factor that the CDC has
individuals pose the least risk to the public, yet are most at risk of serious illness
or death.
40. Many prisoners have compromised immune systems or, like Mr. Breyette, have
7
Routine Prison Conditions Lend Themselves to Rapid Spread of the Virus
42. Some prisons have dormitory-style housing, like Willard-Cybulski, where Mr.
Johnson is held. His dormitory has one hundred men in it, and, in Mr. Johnson’s
words, “once the virus comes in, it’s going to spread like wildfire.” Five prisoners
43. In most other prisons, incarcerated people are held two to a cell in close quarters.
See Second Connecticut Prison Inmate Tests Positive for the COVID-19 Virus,
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/coronavirus/second-connecticut-prison-
44. In Connecticut prisons as elsewhere, detainees and prisoners do not have the
ability to maintain personal hygiene to the same standards as free people do,
because people in prison must in many cases live in a cell containing a toilet, are
not allowed hand sanitizer, have limited access to cleaning supplies and soap, and
45. Connecticut prisoners, like their counterparts nationwide, are given almost all of
their medical treatment in the same facility in which they are housed, rather than
46. As a result, “correctional settings increase the risk” of contracting the virus,
because in prison, “there are high numbers of people with chronic, often
8
access to personal hygiene, limited access to medical care, and no possibility of
staying at a distance from others,” Giftos Aff. ¶ 8, such that “there are more
added).
47. COVID-19 public health experts have sounded the alarm that prisons are
extremely high-risk settings for the spread of COVID-19 since the pandemic’s
arrival in the United States. See Dr. Lipi Roy, Infections And Incarceration: Why
Jails And Prisons Need To Prepare For COVID-19 Now, Forbes, Mar. 11, 2020,
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lipiroy/2020/03/11/infections-and-incarceration-
https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20200324.784502/full/
prison versus outside of it); Timothy Williams, Benjamin Weiser, and William K.
Rashbaum, ‘Jails Are Petri Dishes’: Inmates Freed as the Virus Spreads Behind
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/30/us/coronavirus-prisons-jails.html
(reporting that, after the New York City corrections department’s physician
warned the mayor that “‘a storm is coming,’” the city “released at least 650
people”).
48. Their warnings have proven tragically accurate. One week ago, Chicago’s Cook
County Jail had two COVID-19 diagnoses; as of March 30th, 101 incarcerated
9
people and 12 staff members have tested positive for the virus. Compare Andy
Grimm, Two Cook County Jail Detainees Test Postive for Coronavirus, Chicago
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/3/23/21191438/two-cook-county-jail-
Cook County Jail Confirmed Positive for COVID-19, Chicago Sun-Times, Mar.
30, 2020,
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/3/29/21199171/cook-county-
jail-coronavirus-positive-101-cases-covid-19.
49. In just two weeks, the New York City jail Rikers Island went from one confirmed
case of COVID-19 to 231 cases. Compare Chelsia Rose Marcius, Rikers Island
Inmate Has Contracted Coronavirus: Officials, N.Y. Daily News, Mar. 18, 2020,
https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-rikers-island-
inmate-tests-positive-20200318-gf3r7q4cefaxzlqmwrmuevzz3y-story.html with
The Legal Aid Society, Covid-19 Tracking in NYC Jails, Apr. 2, 2020,
https://www.legalaidnyc.org/covid-19-infection-tracking-in-nyc-jails.
50. As of March 29th, 2020, Rikers Island had a COVID-19 infection rate surpassing
51. Here in Connecticut, as of April 2, sixteen DOC staff members and eight
Apr. 2, 2020).
10
52. The trajectory of other correctional systems make clear that Connecticut has
limited time to act to prevent the virus from taking over its facilities and
contributing the statewide overload on hospital beds. See Andrew Clark et al,
Opinion: Prison Outbreak Affects Health of Entire State, Conn. Post, Mar. 31,
2020 (explaining that, “[a]s jails and prisons become flashpoints for infection,
the outbreak will overwhelm already limited state health care resources,” because
COVID-19 infections in a correctional setting could mean that ICU beds in the
them.”). Other states have concluded that the only effective way to avoid a
Jail Sentences, No. 084230, slip op. at 2 (N.J. Mar. 22, 2020) (“[A]ny inmate
https://www.aclu-nj.org/files/5415/8496/4744/2020.03.22_-
(Me. Dist. and Super. Cts. Mar. 17, 2020) (joint order of trial courts immediately
canceling “any outstanding warrants for unpaid fines, unpaid restitution, unpaid
court-appointed counsel fees, failure to appear for unpaid fine hearings, and any
11
https://www.courts.maine.gov/covid19/emergency-order-vacating-warrants-
fines-fees.pdf.
53. Even prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Connecticut has long struggled to provide
staff in prisons is now nearly certain to be overrun when the virus begins
54. In July 2019, the Connecticut Mirror reported that DOC had 309 nurses on staff
to serve 13,320 prisoners, or one nurse for every 43 prisoners. For medical
providers, including doctors and physician assistants, the DOC employs only one
for every 579 prisoners. Jenna Carlesso and Kelan Lyons, One Year after DOC
Took Over Inmate Healthcare, Troubles Persist, Conn. Mirror, July 2, 2019,
https://ctmirror.org/2019/07/02/one-year-after-doc-took-over-inmate-health-
care-troubles-persist.
55. Little has changed since that report. In early 2020, Cheshire Correctional
psychiatrist and one principal physician are the only doctors serving a population
12
57. The woeful medical provisions at Cheshire and Corrigan-Radgowski are not
58. In February of this year, Commissioner Rollin Cook told members of the Black
and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus that there were 139 healthcare positions
vacant out of 843 budgeted. Lisa Backus, Staffing Shortage Creates ‘Dangerous’
https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Staffing-shortage-creates-dangerous-
15027264.php.
59. This month, a DOC spokesperson suggested that facilities can manage shortages
https://www.courant.com/coronavirus/hc-pol-coronavirus-connecticut-prisons-
20200311-ote3jd6orje77ipl44qgi3bb6i-story.html
60. However, the Connecticut Mirror reported that healthcare staff were already
logging what would appear to be the maximum possible overtime before the
61. And, as of a month ago, head nurses, nurses, and licensed nurse practitioners
were among the twenty top wage earners in the DOC based on their overtime pay;
at least three nursing staff were making twice their annual pay in overtime.
62. That the DOC is over 100 staff short to provide for ordinary healthcare needs at
its facilities is alarming, because retirees and medical students are already being
13
called to aid overwhelmed medical staff in regions where COVID-19 is rampant.
Selena Simmons Duffin, States Get Creative to Find and Deploy More Workers
shots/2020/03/25/820706226/states-get-creative-to-find-and-deploy-more-
health-workers-in-covid-19-fight.
63. DOC medical staff have sounded the alarm about possible systemic failure. Dr.
Gerald Valletta, the primary physician at Garner and Manson Youth Institution
in Cheshire, told the Courant that “[t]he more people get sick and call out, the
more burdened staff will be. We were already facing a huge shortage.” Eliza
Fawcett, With COVID-19 Threat Looming, State Prisons and Jails are on Edge,
news-coronavirus-connecticut-prisons-20200328-pvg57sfcafh5zck4wftabooxre-
story.html.
64. Debra Cruz, head nurse at Cheshire, expressed similar concerns, suggesting that
even mandating 16-hour shifts, as permitted in the workers’ contract, would not
guarantee adequate healthcare. “We’re all just holding our breaths and hoping
this passes us by,” the Hartford Courant quotes Cruz as saying on March 11.
COVID-19 and its facilities’ lack of capacity to safely house people at current
densities.
14
66. Initially, DOC’s only plan to address COVID-19 was a repurposed 2007 policy for
/media/DOC/Pdf/Coronavirus-3-20/A-7-02a-Pandemic-Influenza-response-
easily and in different ways than flu. See, e.g., Johns Hopkins Hosp.,
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
2020) (reporting that, unlike influenza, COVID-19 may “spread through the
airborne route, meaning that tiny droplets remaining in the air could cause
67. On March 11th, spokesperson Karen Martucci doubled down on the outdated
plan in a press interview. “This isn’t new for us. We quarantine for the flu every
year,” she said. “We didn’t have to create a pandemic plan. This was already
68. Though the 2007 plan has now been replaced online with one specific to the
current pandemic, the DOC’s preventative measures are insufficient to stop the
69. For example, the DOC’s plan permits recreation and programming to take place
15
at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DOC/Pdf/Coronavirus-3-20/Covid-19-
facilities do not have adequate access to soap. Corrections staff are not wearing
masks or gloves, and prisoners are given supplies with which to disinfect their
cells only once a week. Common areas and showers are being cleaned only once a
day.
that around 60% of COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic. Jane Qiu, Covert
belie the claim, made by both the defendant and his Department of Correction,
that moving prisoners around inside the same sealed buildings will prevent the
73. On March 24th Governor Lamont refused to consider releasing anyone in his
custody but offered that “[w]e are going to do everything we can to make sure
16
COVID-19 Despite Pressure From Advocates, Conn. Mirror, Mar. 24, 2020,
https://ctmirror.org/2020/03/24/lamont-says-no-prison-releases-because-of-
covid-19-despite-pressure-from-advocates.
74. At MacDougall-Walker, where Mr. Breyette is confined, staff have cleared a space
for quarantine: “seg,” or the restrictive housing unit where prisoners are placed
as punishment.
75. At Osborn, where Mr. Rodriguez is confined, some prisoners work in a factory
making filter masks for healthcare providers, but are not given any additional cell
76. Even when carriers are successfully identified and quarantined, additional space
within a prison does not address the threat of airborne diseases within sealed
buildings; the CDC has emphasized that heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
systems can transmit particles of highly infectious diseases. U.S. Centers for
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5509a1.htm.
to combat the spread of COVID-19,” Giftos Aff. ¶ 16, because “[t]here are too
many structural limitations, and correctional health care can only do so much.”
Id. ¶ 17.
78. “Decreasing the incarcerated population so that there is more ability to physically
distance within the facility, fewer people who can contract the virus inside the
17
facility, and more medical care for those who need it is the only way to prevent
79. During a declared civil preparedness emergency like the current COVID-19 one,
the governor is required to “take appropriate measures for protecting the health
80. At all times, the commissioner is required to “provide for the relief of any sick or
81. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and at all other times, the defendants bear the
duty to refrain from depriving anyone of sanitation or medical care on the basis
of their “race, color, ancestry, or national origin.” Conn. Const. art. 1, § 20.
82. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and at all other times, the defendants bear the
duty to refrain from cruelly and unusually punishing sentenced prisoners of the
83. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and at all other times, the defendants bear the
duty to refrain from punishing pre-trial detainees of the State through lack of
sanitation or medical care, since by virtue of their presumed innocence any such
Constitution.
18
Connecticut prisons leave prisoners in a highly dangerous congregate living
the sanitation and medical care of the prisoners and detainees in their custody..
85. For such reasons stated above, the Court should issue a writ of mandamus
(a) immediately release all people having the CDC heightened risk factors for
(b) immediately reduce the population density at each and every facility in
such;
(5) immediately release on furlough all prisoners who are within six
19
(1) to provide adequate sanitation and social distancing in prisons,
those qualified for release to such via Conn. Gen. Stat. § 18-100,
detainee who is now eligible for release but for the defendant’s
pandemic; and
(d) undertake any other task necessary to discharge their duties to those in
20
Miriam Gohara (# 437966)
Marisol Orihuela (# 439460)
Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization
P.O. Box 209090
New Haven, CT 06520
(203) 432-4800
[email protected]
[email protected]
21
Exhibit 1
Lamont Executive Order No. 7
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of the
coronavirns disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in Connecticut;
and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and may result
in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for individuals
who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have cluonic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, there is an increased risk of rapid spread of COVID-19 among persons who are living in
congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities, and most residents of long-term care facilities are at
increased risk for severe COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of community
mitigation strategies to increase containn1ent of the vims and to slow down the transmission of the virus,
including cancellation of large gatherings and social distancing in smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, Sections 10-15 and 10-16 of the Connecticut General Statutes require that public schools be
in session for at least 180 days during each year and for nine hundred hours of actual schoolwork for full-
day kindergatten and grades one to twelve, inclusive, and four hundred and fifty hours for half-day
kindergarten; and
WHEREAS, due to these unprecedented circumstances and because of the existence of this public health
emergency and the anticipated temporary closure of schools due to COVID-19 risks where such local and
regional boards of education deem it necessary to protect the safety and public health, multiple school
districts may not be able to fulfill these requirements; and
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Depmiment of Public Health and my administration continue to manage the
public health aspects of this incident;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by vitiue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby ORDER
AND DIRECT:
1. Prohibition of Large Gatherings. Throughout the State, gatherings of 250 people or more for
social and recreational activities including, but not limited to, community, civic, leisure, or
spotiing events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings; plays or performances;
conventions; and similar activities; are prohibited. Such prohibition shall remain in effect until
midnight on April 30, 2020, unless modified by a future Executive Order. Nothing in this order
shall prohibit any spiritual gathering or worship service. Violators of this order may be subject to
criminal penalties pursuant to Section 28-22 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
2. Limits on Nursing Home Visitors. Section 19a-550(b)(l2) of the Connecticut General Statutes,
specifically providing that each patient in a nursing home facility, residential care home or chronic
disease hospital "may associate ... privately with persons of the patient's choice, including other
patients," is hereby modified to provide that the Commissioner of Public Health may issue
restrictions on the number, category and frequency of outside visitors and the screening and
protective measures as the Commissioner may deem necessary to assure the health and welfare of
patients in a nursing home facility, residential care home or chronic disease hospital, provided that
nothing in this order or any order by the Commissioner may prohibit a visit, where sufficient
protective measures are able to be put in place, from 1) at least one family member, domestic
pminer, or other person designated by the patient, each day; 2) a patient's attorney, conservator,
or any process server related to matters under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court; 3) persons
necessary to conduct hearings under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court; or 4) a person authorized
by law to oversee or investigate the provision of care and services (e.g. ombudsman). Except as
provided herein regarding visitors, nothing in this order shall suspend or modify the provisions of
Sec. 19a-550(b)(l2) providing the right to communicate privately with persons of the patient's
choice, send and receive the patient's personal mail unopened and make and receive telephone
calls privately, unless medically contraindicated, as documented by the patient's physician or
advanced practice registered nurse in the patient's medical record.
3. Waiver of 180-Day School Year. For the 2019-2020 school year, the mandates of Sections 10-
15 and 10-16 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and any associated implementing regulations or
policies, requiring 180 school day sessions and the associated requirements for a threshold number
of hours of actual school work, are immediately suspended for all schools that are closed for any
period of time due to COVID-19 risks and, upon the reopening of the schools, hold school sessions
through June 30, 2020. Nothing in this order shall preclude schools from satisfying the existing
mandates of Sections 10-15 and 10-16 sooner than June 30, 2020 through distance learning or
other alternatives approved by the Commissioner of Education. The Commissioner shall approve
any such alternatives if they are filed with the State Depmiment of Education on or before June 1,
2020 and consist of an attestation by the Superintendent or school leadership official, and signed
by the Chair of the local or regional board of education, stating that the alternative methods comply
with all legal and regulatory requirements.
This order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for the duration of the aforementioned
state of emergency, unless earlier modified by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 2
Lamont Executive Order No. 7A
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil
preparedness emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of
Connecticut as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the
United States and confirmed spread in Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person
and may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a
pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 is higher for people
who are 60 years old or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, there is an increased risk of rapid spread of COVID-19 among persons who
are living in congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities, and residents of long-
term care facilities are at increased risk for severe COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend
implementation of community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus
and to slow down the transmission of the virus, including cancellation of large gatherings
and social distancing in smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS; on March 12, 2020, I issued Executive Order No. 7, which, among other
things, authorized the Commissioner of Public Health to restrict visitation in nursing
home facilities, residential care homes and chronic disease hospitals, with certain
exceptions; and
1. For the duration of the aforementioned public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, or until such time as I repeal or modify this executive order,
notwithstanding Section 19a-550(b)(12) of the Connecticut General Statutes or
any other statute, regulation, local rule or ordinance or provision of law, the
Commissioner of Public Health is authorized to issue any and all orders restricting
entrance into nursing home facilities, residential care homes or chronic disease
hospitals that she deems necessary to protect the health and welfare of patients,
residents and staff.
Ned Lamont
Governor
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 3
Lamont Executive Order No. 7B
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
-
_1
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, prohibited gatherings of 250
people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited to, community, civic,
leisure, and sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings; plays or performances;
conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and regulations to protect public
health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No.7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner of
Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, there is an increased risk of rapid spread of COVID-19 among persons living in
congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities, and most residents oflong-term care facilities
are at increased risk for severe COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of large gatherings and social distancing in smaller gatherings;
and
WHEREAS, attendance at public meetings and proceedings is likely to increase the risk of
transmission of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, increased demand on the healthcare system resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
has created an imminent shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE); and
WHEREAS, the imminent shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) will significantly
impact pharmacies compounding sterile pharmaceuticals in the State of Connecticut due to their
inability to comply with statutorily mandated garbing requirements;
WHEREAS, the Department of Consumer Protection has issued liquor permits to persons and
organizations sponsoring public outings, picnics, social or charitable events that would draw
crowds of people, but fees for such permits are currently non-refundable;
WHEREAS, the need to enact social distancing, limit large crowds, and other measures, combined
with the closure of schools and workplaces to limit the transmission of COVID-19, has vastly
expanded the need for childcare for families throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, Section 19a-420 (1) of the Connecticut General Statutes provides in relevant part
that youth camps operate based on a summer instructional program schedule; and
WHEREAS, due to unprecedented circumstances and because of the existence of this public
health emergency and the anticipated need for additional childcare for families faced with multiple
school closures, it is deemed necessary to allow camps to open and provide care for a period longer
than the summer season; and
WHEREAS, Section 10-16p (6) of the Connecticut General Statutes requires School Readiness
programs to remain open for 50 weeks of the year; and
WHEREAS, due to the unprecedented circumstances and because of the existence of this public
health emergency and the temporary closure of School Readiness programs due to COVID-19
risks, where such School Readiness programs deem it necessary to protect the safety and public
health, multiple School Readiness programs may not be able to fulfill this requirement; and
WHEREAS, the Executive Director of the Office of Health Strategy directs and oversees the
Health Systems Planning Unit established under section 19a-612 and all of its duties and
responsibilities as set forth in Sections 19-610 through 19-689 of the Connecticut General Statutes;
and
WHEREAS, the Health Systems Planning Unit oversees the Certificate of Need program, hospital
financial reporting and other functions; and
WHEREAS, healthcare providers in the state of Connecticut may need the flexibility to establish
temporary health care facilities to test, diagnose and treat patients exhibiting symptoms of COVID-
19 in response to the anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases; and
WHEREAS, the current licensed bed capacity within the state of Connecticut may be insufficient
d with
to accommodate and facilitate the safe and effective treatment of individuals diagnose
COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the utilization of certain imaging equipment is required to diagnose, treat, and
monitor the progression of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, Section I 9a-63 8(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes requires a certificate of need
cy
for the establishment of a new health care facility; the establishment of a freestanding emergen
bed
department; the acquisition of computed tomography scanners; and an increase in licensed
capacity of a health care facility in the state of Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, Section l 9a-639a through 19a-639f of the Connecticut General Statutes sets
and sets
forth notice requirements and timelines related to the certificate of need analytic process,
forth a process to request public hearings;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
hereby
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do
ORDER AND DIRECT:
1-
1. Suspension of In-Person Open Meeting Requirements. Sections 1-206, 1-225, and
226 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and any open meeting provision of any municipal
charter, ordinance, or regulation that conflicts with this order, are suspended to the extent
necessary to permit any public agency to meet and take such actions authorized by the law
without permitting or requiring in-person, public access to such meetings, and to hold such
meeting s or proceedings remotely by conference call, videoconference or other technology,
provide d that: I) the public has the ability to view or listen to each meeting or proceed ing in
real time, by telephone, video, or other technology; 2) any such meeting or proceed ing is
s
recorded or transcribed, and such recording or transcript shall be posted on the agency'
e within a
website within seven (7) days of the meeting or proceeding, and made availabl
reasonable time in the agency's office; 3) the required notice and agenda for each meeting
or proceeding is posted on the agency's website and shall include information about how
the meeting will be conducted and how the public can access it; 4) any materials relevant
to matters on the agenda, including but not limited to materials related to specific
applications, if applicable, shall be submitted to the agency a minimum of twenty four (24)
hours prior and posted to the agency' s website for public inspection prior to, during, and
after the meeting, and any exhibits to be submitted by members of the public shall, to the
extent feasible, also be submitted to the agency a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours prior
to the meeting and posted to the agency' s website for public inspection prior to, during,
and after the meeting; and 5) all speakers taking part in any such meeting or
proceeding shall clearly state their name and title, if applicable, before speaking on each
occasion that they speak.
7. Flexibility to Provide For Adequate Healthcare Resources and Facilities. Sections 19a-
610 through l 9a-689 of the Connecticut General Statutes and any related regulations, rules,
or policies are modified to authorize the Executive Director of the Office of Health Strategy
to waive provisions of such sections as she deems necessary to ensure that adequate
healthcare resources and facilities are available to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,
and to issue any implementing orders that she deems necessary.
Unless specified herein, each provision of this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain
in effect for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier
modified or tenninated by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 4
Lamont Executive Order No. 7C
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, prohibited gatherings of 250
people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited to, community, civic,
leisure, and sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings; plays or performances;
conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and regulations to protect public
health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No.7 A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner of
Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived certain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of large gatherings and social distancing in smaller gatherings;
and
WHEREAS, attendance at public meetings and proceedings is likely to increase the risk of
transmission of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, there is an increased risk of rapid spread of COVID-19 among persons residing in
congregate settings, such as inpatient or outpatient hospitals, clinics or other facilities for the
diagnosis, observation or treatment of persons with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities; and
WHEREAS, there exists a compelling state interest in collecting health information pertaining
to COVID-19 and its spread throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health has added COVID-19 to the
list ofreportable diseases under Section 19a-215 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, Section 17a-54 7 of the Connecticut General Statutes governs the rights of patients
to receive visitors at regular visiting hours at inpatient or outpatient hospitals, clinics or other
facilities for the diagnosis, observation or treatment of persons with psychiatric and intellectual
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Section 17a-238 of the Connecticut General Statutes governs the rights of persons
under the supervision of the Commissioner of Developmental Services to communicate freely
and privately with any person; and
WHEREAS, Section 52-146e of the Connecticut General Statutes limits the disclosure of
information that identifies a patient to any person, corporation or governmental agency without
the consent of the patient or the patient's authorized representative; and
WHEREAS, Section 52-146f of the Connecticut General Statues provides exceptions to Section
52-146e of the Connecticut General Statutes;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
1. Cancellation of School Classes. To promote and secure the safety and protection of
children in schools related to the risks of COVID-19, all public school classes will be
cancelled for all students effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 until March 31, 2020, unless
extended beyond that date. Private schools and other non-public schools are encouraged to
follow the same schedule. The Connecticut State Department of Education, the Connecticut
Department of Public Health, the Department of Children and Families, and the
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, are directed to immediately work together to
implement measures to provide for the health, nutrition, safety, educational needs and well-
being of children during the class cancelation period.
2. Flexibility of Graduation Requirements, and Prescribed Courses of Study. The
provisions of Sections 10-16b and 10-221a, and any associated regulations, rules, and
policies regarding prescribed courses of study and graduation requirements are modified
to authorize the Commissioner of Education to temporarily waive any requirements
contained therein as he deems necessary to address the impact of COVID-19 and school
class cancelations.
3. Flexibility for Educator Prep Programs. The provisions of Section 10-145a, and any
associated regulations, rules, and policies regarding educator preparation programs are
modified to authorize the Commissioner of Education to temporarily waive any
requirements, contained therein as he deems necessary to address the repercussions of
college, university, and school class cancellations on students pursuing secondary
education programs. The Commissioner may issue any order that he deems necessary to
implement this order.
7. Remote Conduct of DMV Operations. To protect public health and safety, particularly
the risk of transmission of COVID-19, by reducing in-person interactions, Title 14 of the
Connecticut General Statutes is hereby modified to authorize the Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles to issue any and all orders she deems necessary to close any DMV branch to
transaction of business by the public, facilitate the conduct of business remotely using
online methods or any other feasible means, including provision of any notice or conduct
of any hearing required pursuant to that Title, waive the suspension of licenses and other
credentials as required, and waive, modify or suspend related requirements in Title 14
that result from closure ofDMV branch offices to the public. The Commissioner may
suspend any timeline or deadline for any notice or hearing required by this Title or by the
Uniform Administrative Procedure Act for up to 90 days. The Department of Motor
Vehicles shall post a plan on its website to instruct customers how to conduct business
remotely and provide updated information on services conducted by its partners. The
DMV shall implement its plan as soon as feasible, and shall review the plan weekly to
determine whether any modifications are necessary.
8. Limits on Visitors to Facilities That Treat Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities. For
the duration of the aforementioned public health and civil preparedness emergencies, or
until such time as I repeal or modify this executive order, notwithstanding Section 17a-547
of the Connecticut General Statutes or any other statute, regulation, local rule or ordinance
or provision of law, the Commissioners of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction
Services and the Department of Public Health are authorized to issue any and all orders
restricting entrance into facilities, as defined in Section 17a-540(1) of the Connecticut
General Statutes, including Whiting Forensic Hospital, that the Commissioners deem
necessary to protect the health and welfare of patients, residents and staff.
9. Limits on Visitors to the Southbury Training School. For the duration of the
aforementioned public health and civil preparedness emergencies, or until such time as I
repeal or modify this executive order, notwithstanding Section 17a-238 of the of the
Connecticut General Statutes or any other statute, regulation, local rule or ordinance or
provision oflaw, the Commissioners of the Department of Developmental Services and the
Department of Public Health are authorized to issue any and all orders restricting entrance
into facilities, as referenced in Section 17a-231 (1 ), the Southbury Training School and any
other facility operated by the Department of Developmental Services that the
Commissioners deem necessary to protect the health and welfare of patients, residents and
staff.
10. COVID-19 Information Sharing Between Facilities That Treat Persons with
Psychiatric Disabilities, DPH, and Local Health Directors. For the duration of the
aforementioned public health and civil preparedness emergencies, or until such time as I
l
repeal or modify this executive order, Section 52-146f of the Connecticut General Statutes
is amended to permit the Commissioner of Public Health and Local Health Directors to
disclose communications or records to report cases of COVID-19 as required under Section
19a-215 of the Connecticut General Statutes and as they may deem necessary to limit the
further spread of COVID-19 or respond to this public health and civil preparedness
emergency.
Unless specified herein, each provision of this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain
in effect for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier
modified or terminated by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 5
Lamont Executive Order No. 7D
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited
gatherings of 250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited
to, community, civic, leisure, and sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings;
plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and
regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No.7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner of
Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived certain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled
classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of
business at Department of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget
preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data and
visitation at certain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of fifty people or more and social distancing in
smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health has added COVID-19 to the
list of reportable diseases under Section 19a-215 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
~&_ l_~'-'~
Ned Lamont
Governor
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
I
Exhibit 6
Lamont Executive Order No. 7E
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited
gatherings of 250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited
to, community, civic, leisure, and sporting events; parades; conceits; festivals; movie screenings;
plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and
regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No.7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner of
Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived certain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled
classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of
business at Department of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget
preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data and
visitation at ce1tain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order 7D, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and recreational
gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to all service except
food and non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delive1y, closed gyms, fitness centers and movie
theaters, and prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting facilities; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of fifty people or more and social distancing in
smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, Sections 10-15 and 10-16 of the Connecticut General Statutes require that public
schools be in session for at least 180 days during each year and for nine hundred hours of actual
schoolwork for full-day kindergmien and grades one to twelve, inclusive, and four hundred and
fifty hours for half-day kindergmien; and
WHEREAS, due to these unprecedented circumstances and because of the existence of this public
health emergency and the anticipated tempormy closure of schools due to COVID-19 risks where
such local and regional boards of education deem it necessary to protect the safety and public
health, multiple school districts may not be able to fulfill these requirements; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and State Police are
critical to the response to this public health and civil preparedness emergency, and must prioritize
personnel and resources to critical public safety needs, as well as limit transmission of COVID-
19; and
WHEREAS, to ensure that the pandemic does not cause undue hardship for the state's poorest
residents, and to ensure that the Department of Social Services has the necessary flexibility to
prioritize work during a period of diminished operational capacity; and
WHEREAS, in-person attendance at a fair hearing held by the Department of Social Services
(DSS) is likely to increase the risk of transmission ofCOVID-19, and DSS must fulfill its statuto1y
responsibilities concerning fair hearings in the event of the closure of buildings or staff reduction
as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by holding telephonic hearings;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
1. Waiver of 180-Day School Year. The provisions of Sections 10-15 and 10-16,
and any associated regulations, rules, and policies regarding the requirement for
180 days of school per year and certain hours of schoolwork are modified to
allow all public schools, upon reopening in the spring 2020, to close school on
their normally scheduled end-dates, so long as local and regional boards of
education provide opportunities for continuity of education to all students, to
the greatest extent possible, and consistent with federal and state guidance. This
order modifies my previous Executive Order No. 7 issued on March 12, 2020,
as a result of evolving circumstances, including my Executive Order No. 7C
issued March 15, 2020, which cancelled classes in all Connecticut schools from
March 17, 2020 until at least March 31, 2020, and the potential impact on
schools that may be subject to longer-term cancellations of in-school classes.
Unless specified herein, this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect
for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier
modified by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 7
Lamont Executive Order No. 7F
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited
gatherings of 250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited
to, community, civic, leisure, and sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings;
plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and
regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner of
Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived cettain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled
classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of
business at Department of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget
preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data and
visitation at certain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order 70, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and recreational
gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to all service except
food and non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delivery, closed gyms, fitness centers and movie
theaters, and prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order 7E, dated March 17, 2020, among other things, waived the
requirement for an 180-day school year, suspended fingerprinting availability to that for critical
requirements, extended the duration of various licenses and permits under the authority of the
Commissioner of Emergency Services and public protection, and suspended certain requirements
for recoupment of overpayment and hearings conducted by the Department of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, COVlD-19 is a respiratmy disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVlD-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVlD-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread ofCOVlD-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of fifty people or more and social distancing in
smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, there exists a critical need to protect the health of residents and patients of various
types of nursing, long te1m care, and psychiatric facilities while providing for essential legal
proceedings under the authority of the Probate Court in order to protect the legal rights of certain
such residents; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 7C ordered the cancellation of classes at all public schools
throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, Connecticut Unified School District I (established per Section 18-99a) and Unified
School District 2 (established per Section 17a-37), and Connecticut Depaitment of Mental Health
and Addiction Services inpatient facilities providing school classes, are uniquely situated entities
and require individualized considerations to maintain stability for the population; and
WHEREAS, the existing COVlD-19 pandemic and the accelerating spread of the disease in
Connecticut require additional, extraordinaiy mitigation and social distancing measures,
particularly in response to incidents of large gatherings resulting from school cancellations, to
protect the public health and safety of our citizens; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by vhtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
Unless specified herein, this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect
for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier
modified by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 8
Lamont Executive Order No. 7G
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
,., \
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited
gatherings of 250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited
to, community, civic, leisure, and sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings;
plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and
regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner
of Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived ce1iain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled
classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of
business at Depaiiment of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget
preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data and
visitation at ce1iain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7D, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and recreational
gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to all service except
food and non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delivery, closed gyms, fitness centers and movie
theaters, and prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7E, dated March 17, 2020, among other things, waived the
requirement for an 180-day school year, suspended fingerprinting availability to that for critical
requirements, extended the duration of various licenses and permits under the authority of the
Commissioner of Emergency Services and public protection, and suspended certain requirements
for recoupment of overpayment and hearings conducted by the Department of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7F, dated March 18, 2020, ordered the closure of Large
Shopping Malls, the closure of places of public amusement except public parks and open recreation
areas, expanded Medicaid telehealth coverage, waived in-person service, hearing, and screening
requirements for certain Probate Comt proceedings in vulnerable group care settings, and clarified
my order cancelling school classes; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread ofCOVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Depmtment of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of fifty people or more and social distancing in
smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, healthcare providers providing services to patients and those with Medical coverage,
need flexibility in testing, diagnosis and treatment while supporting adequate social distancing
measures, and to provide healthcare services during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic
through the increased utilization of the delivery of health care or other health services through
ce1tain modes of telehealth service; and
WHEREAS, subsection (a)(l 1) of Section 19a-906 of the Connecticut General Statutes provides,
in part, that "telehealth" does not include, in part, the use of audio-only telephone as a mode of
delivering health care or health services via information and communication technologies to
facilitate the diagnosis, consultation and treatment, education, care management and self-
management of a patient's physical and mental health; and
WHEREAS, subsection (a)(12) of Section 19a-906 of the Connecticut General Statutes provides,
in part, that a "telehealth provider" means health care providers specifically licensed pursuant to
the Connecticut General Statutes governing those health care professions; and
WHEREAS, subsection (f) of Section l 9a-906 provides, in part, that the provision of telehealth
services and health records maintained and disclosed as pmt of a telehealth interaction shall comply
with the provisions of the Health Insurance P01tability and Accountability Act of 1996 P.L. 104-
191, as amended from time to time; and
WHEREAS, an in-person visit to investigate a report that an elderly person allegedly is being, or
has been, abused, neglected exploited or abandoned, or is in need of protective services, is likely
to increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, if COVID-10 is transmitted to an elderly person, there is a high risk of serious illness
or mortality; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services ("DSS") can fulfill its statuto1y obligation to
investigate such repo1is without making an in-person visit of the elderly person by using alternative
means of communication; and
WHEREAS, DSS staff may be reduced as a result of illness or the need to self-isolate due to
COVID-19, and may need additional time to disclose the results ofits investigation of such repo1is;
and
WHEREAS, attendance at public proceedings is likely to increase the risk of transmission of
COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, in consultation with the ChiefComi Administrator on behalf of the Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court and the Judicial Branch, I have determined that there exists a compelling state
interest that courts conduct only essential business in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19;
and
WHEREAS, there is a compelling interest in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19
among voters, poll workers, and residents, which risk would be heightened in the settings of indoor
polling places and potential lines for voting, especially in polling places such as senior centers,
schools, community centers, and other public facilities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
a. All time limitations in Chapters 959, 959a, 960 and 961 of the General
Statutes including, but not limited to, C.G.S. § 54-lg concerning the
time of arraignments
b. and C.G.S. § 54-82m concerning the right to a speedy trial;
c. All time limitations for rendering judgments in civil actions provided in
C.G.S. § 5 I-I 83b;
d. All time limitations concerning civil process, service and return
provided in Chapter 896 of the General Statutes;
e. All statutes of limitations provided in Chapter 926 of the General
Statutes;
f. All time limitations concerning the automatic review of terms of
probation provided in C.G.S. § 53a-29(g);
g. All time constraints for the filing of administrative appeals provided in
C.G.S. § 4-183;
h. All time limitations concerning hearings and rulings pe1taining to
primmy and election disputes provided in Chapter 149 of the General
Statutes;
1. All time limitations in Title 46b of the General Statutes including, but
not limited to, family, juvenile and child suppo1t matters;
J. All venue and filing requirements including, but not limited to, C.G.S.
§§ 51-345, 51-348, 51-352 and 51-353, provided in Chapter 890 of the
General Statutes;
k. The times and places for the sitting of the Superior Court provided in
C.G.S. § 51-181;
I. The notice of sessions provided in C.G.S. § 51-182;
Unless otherwise specified herein, this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain
in effect for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless
earlier modified by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
a::_xc:;~;::_
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 9
Lamont Executive Order No. 7H
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited
gatherings of 250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited
to, community, civic, leisure, and sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings;
plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and
regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner
of Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived certain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled
classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of
business at Department of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget
preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data and
visitation at ce1iain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7D, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and recreational
gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to all service except
food and non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delivery, closed gyms, fitness centers and movie
theaters, and prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7E, dated March 17, 2020, among other things, waived the
requirement for an 180-day school year, suspended fingerprinting availability to that for critical
requirements, extended the duration of various licenses and permits under the authority of the
Commissioner of Emergency Services and public protection, and suspended certain requirements
for recoupment of overpayment and hearings conducted by the Department of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7F, dated March 18, 2020, ordered the closure of Large
Shopping Malls, the closure of places of public amusement except public parks and open recreation
areas, expanded Medicaid telehealth coverage, waived in-person service, hearing, and screening
requirements for ce11ain Probate Com1 proceedings in vulnerable group care settings, and clarified
my order cancelling school classes; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7G, dated March 19, 2020, ordered the postponement of
the presidential primaty, suspended non-critical court operations, expanded the availability of
telehealth services, and enacted additional public health measures;
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread ofCOVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Depattment of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of people and social distancing in smaller
gatherings; and
WHEREAS, to facilitate the most timely and effective response to the COVID-19 emergency
disaster, it is critical for the State of Connecticut to act quickly to gather, coordinate, and deploy
goods, services, professionals, and volunteers of all kinds;
WHEREAS, in a short period of time, COVID-19 has rapidly spread throughout Connecticut,
necessitating updated and more stringent guidance from federal, state, and local officials; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by vittue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
Not later than 8 p.m. on March 22, 2020, the Department of Economic and
Community Development ("DECD") shall issue lawfully binding guidance
about which businesses are essential. Those business shall include, but not be
limited to, the 16 critical infrastructure sectors as defined by the Depa11ment of
Homeland Security and available at https://wv./w.cisa.gov/critical-
infrastructure-sectors, essential health care operations including hospitals,
clinics, dentists, pharmacies, elder care and home health care workers,
companies and institutions involved in the research and development,
manufacture, distribution, warehousing, and supplying of phmmaceuticals,
biotechnology therapies, health care data, consumer health products, medical
devices, diagnostics, equipment, services and any other healthcare related
supplies or services; essential infrastructure, including utilities, wastewater and
drinking water, telecommunications, airports and transportation infrastructure;
manufacturing, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and industries
supp011ing the essential services required to meet national security
commitments to the federal government and U.S. Militmy; the defense
industrial base, including aerospace, mechanical and software engineers,
manufacturing/production workers, aircraft and weapon system mechanics and
maintainers; essential retail, including grocery stores and big-box stores or
wholesale clubs, provided they also sell groceries; pharmacies, gas stations and
convenience stores; food and beverage retailers (including liquor/package
stores and manufacturer permittees) and restaurants, provided they comply with
previous and future executive orders issued during the existing declared public
health and civil preparedness emergency; essential services including trash and
recycling collection, hauling, and processing, mail and shipping services; news
media; legal and accounting services; banks, insurance companies, check
cashing services, and other financial institutions; providers of basic necessities
to economically disadvantaged populations; construction; vendors of essential
services and goods necessmy to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential
operations of residences or other essential businesses, including pest control
and landscaping services; vendors that provide essential services or products,
including logistics and technology support, child care and services needed to
ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and the provision of
goods, services or functions necessmy for the health, safety and welfare of the
public.
Any other business may be deemed essential after requesting an opinion from
DECD, which shall review and grant such request, should it determine that it is
in the best interest of the state to have the workforce continue at full capacity to
properly respond to this emergency.
2. Coordinated Response Effort. Effective immediately and for the duration of
the public health and civil preparedness emergency, notwithstanding Section
28-8a of the Connecticut General Statutes, in order to ensure the coordinated,
clear and expeditious execution of civil preparedness functions for the
protection of the public health, and pursuant to my emergency powers,
including but not limited to Section 28-9(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes,
no municipal chief executive officer or designee may enact or enforce any order
that conflicts with any provision of any of my Executive Orders or an order
issued by an executive agency pursuant to the existing public health and civil
preparedness emergency, or issue any shelter-in-place order or order
prohibiting travel, unless they first seek and receive written permission from
the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The provisions
of this order shall not be deemed to invalidate any order previously issued by a
municipal chief executive or designee or preclude a municipality from
enforcing any existing local rule or ordinance that does not conflict with any
executive order issued pursuant to my March 10, 2020 declaration of public
health and civil preparedness emergency.
Ned Lamont
Governor
Jt:_x;/~/t:
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 10
Lamont Executive Order No. 7I
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited
gatherings of 250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited
to, community, civic, leisure, and sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings;
plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and
regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner
of Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived certain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled
classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of
business at Department of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget
preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data· and
visitation at certain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7D, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and recreational
gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to all service except
food and non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delivery, closed gyms, fitness centers and movie
theaters, and prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7E, dated March 17, 2020, among other things, waived the
requirement for an 180-day school year, suspended fingerprinting availability to that for critical
requirements, extended the duration of various licenses and permits under the authority of the
Commissioner of Emergency Services and public protection, and suspended ce11ain requirements
for recoupment of overpayment and hearings conducted by the Department of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7F, dated March 18, 2020, ordered the closure of Large
Shopping Malls, the closure of places of public amusement except public parks and open recreation
areas, expanded Medicaid telehealth coverage, waived in-person service, hearing, and screening
requirements for ce11ain Probate Court proceedings in vulnerable group care settings, and clarified
my order cancelling school classes; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7G, dated March 19, 2020, ordered the postponement of
the presidential primary, suspended non-critical court operations, expanded the availability of
telehealth services, and enacted additional public health measures; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7H, dated March 20, 2020, limited the workplace
operations of non-essential businesses, and on-profit, created a process to designate those that are
essential, and provided for consistency across the state in governmental response to the COVID-
19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of fifty people or more and social distancing in
smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, if COVID-10 is transmitted to an elderly person, there is a high risk of serious illness
or mortality; and
WHEREAS, to ensure that the pandemic or other emergency does not interfere with the continuity
of essential safety net programs, and because the Depaitment of Social Services must be able to
ensure ongoing delivery of basic assistance; and
WHEREAS, the state wishes to ensure that children, seniors, persons with disabilities and other
low-income individuals can access their prescription medications covered by Medicaid and
Medicare and are able to do so without interruption or delay; and
WHEREAS, the HUSKY B program is Connecticut's Children's Health Insurance Program that
provides health care coverage to approximately 20,000 low- and moderate-income children and
the state wishes to ensure that the pandemic does not interfere with these children's access to
medical care, including physician visits and medications; and
WHEREAS, Sections 10-234aa through 10-234dd of the Connecticut General Statutes impose
ce1iain requirements that vendors providing certain data and technology services agree in writing
to privacy protections for student data; and
WHEREAS, the cancellation of classes has created an urgent need to continue opportunities for
students throughout the state, including through the use of technology, but the urgency of such
need precludes the ability to draft, review, and approve ce1iain written contracts; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Education has alternative means to assure that student data is
afforded privacy protections, including federal student privacy laws, without the use of a written
contract; and
WHEREAS, Sections 17a-10a and 17a-16 of the Connecticut General Statutes require the
Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families to provide visitation with children in
facilities that treat children or youth with psychiatric disabilities and with children in such facilities
to protect the health and safety of the children and staff; and
WHEREAS, Sections 17a-76 and 17a-77 of the Connecticut General Statutes require the filing of
an application for commitment of a mentally ill child with the Probate Comi and a hearing on the
application to be held within ten days of the application being filed; and
WHEREAS, Section 20-616 (b) of the Connecticut General Statutes permits a pharmacist to
exercise his or her professional judgment in refilling a prescription that is not for a controlled drug,
for an up to seventy-two hour supply, without the authorization of the prescribing practitioner,
provided (1) the pharmacist is unable to contact such practitioner after reasonable effort, (2) failure
to refill the prescription might result in an interruption of a therapeutic regimen or create patient
suffering, and (3) the pharmacist informs the patient or representative of the patient at the time of
dispensing that the refill is being provided without such authorization and informs the practitioner
at the earliest reasonable time that authorization of the practitioner is required for future refills;
and
WHEREAS, prescribing practitioners may have limited availability due to COVID-19 to provide
a written, oral or electronically transmitted order for the refill of a non-controlled substance within
seventy-two hours following a refill issued by pharmacist pursuant to 20-6 l 6(b); and
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Business Corporation Act, Sections 33-600 tluough 33-998,
inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes (the "Act"), requires corporations incorporated
under the laws of the State of Connecticut to hold annual shareholders' meetings at a "place" stated
in or fixed in accordance with the bylaws of such corporation or at the corporation's principal
office, and precludes the ability to hold such meetings solely by means of remote patiicipation
without a place; and
WHEREAS, for the protection of the public health, Connecticut corporations should be granted
the option to hold shareholders' meetings solely by remote participation, without requiring any
representatives of the corporation or any shareholders to gather in a place; and
WHEREAS, many other states, including the State of Delaware, permit armual shareholders'
meetings to be held solely by remote participation without a place; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the State of Connecticut and the shareholders of
Connecticut corporations to have the option to pmticipate in the annual meeting of shareholders
solely by remote participation without a place; and
WHEREAS, Sections 10-26la(c), 10-261b, 12-19a, 12-20b, 12-63c, 12-110, 12-111, 12-117, and
12-120, of the Connecticut General Statutes and Section 12-2b-11 of the Regulations of
Connecticut State Agencies require municipalities to complete specific duties, including but not
limited to Net Grand Lists, Assessor Reports, Board of Assessment Appeals applications and
decisions, Grand Lists of Taxable and Tax-Exempt Propetty, Sales Data Reports, and State Owned,
College and Hospital Claim Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) reimbursement claims that require
in-person meetings, application filings, and the filing of reports based on completion of these
duties, as well as auditing and review by OPM thereafter, which are likely to be delayed due to
closures and staffing shortages arising from the public health and civil preparedness emergency
declared to respond to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, Sections 12-110, 12-111, 12-117 and 12-l 70aa of the Connecticut General Statutes
require the in-person filing of applications that create increased risk of transmission of COVID-
19; and
WHEREAS, Section 85 of Public Act 20-1 imposes new reporting requirements, including
specific property data for tax exemptions under Subsections 60, 70, 72 and 76 of Section 12-81 by
May 1, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Sections 14, 97a, 98, 103, 124, 126, 246, 368k, 440, 444, 446i of the Connecticut
General Statutes require persons to pmticipate in the process of various municipal decisions that
require in-person, face-to-face interactions, meetings, filings, or service of process between
various persons, and such activities are likely to be delayed or compromised due to closures and
related staffing or quorum shmtages arising from the public health and civil preparedness
emergency declared to respond to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the in-person contact required for the aforementioned activities create an increased
risk of transmission ofCOVID-19; and
WHEREAS, upon a proclamation that a civil preparedness emergency exists, section 28-9(b) of
the Connecticut General Statutes authorizes the modification or suspension in whole or in patt by
executive order of any statute or regulation or requirement or part thereof that conflicts with the
efficient and expeditious execution of civil preparedness functions or the protection of public
health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
6. Limits on Visitation with Children Placed in the Care and Custody of the
Department of Children and Families. Notwithstanding Section l 7a-l Oa of
the Connecticut General Statutes or any other statute, regulation, local rule or
ordinance or provision oflaw, the Commissioner of the Department of Children
and Families is authorized to issue any and all orders restricting visitation with
children placed in the care and custody of the commissioner pursuant to an order
oftempora1y custody or an order of commitment, that the Commissioner deems
necessmy to protect the health and welfare of such children and staff.
Unless otherwise specified herein, this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain
in effect for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless
earlier modified or terminated by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
'.t2:
I
Ex~ellency's Command
I u~/(__
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 11
Lamont Executive Order No. 7J
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited
gatherings of 250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited
to, community, civic, leisure, and sporting events; parades; conceits; festivals; movie screenings;
plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and
regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner
of Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived certain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled
classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of
business at Depa1tment of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget
preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data and
visitation at certain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7D, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and recreational
gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to all service except
food and non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delivery, closed gyms, fitness centers and movie
theaters, and prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7E, dated March 17, 2020, among other things, waived the
requirement for an 180-day school year, suspended fingerprinting availability to that for critical
requirements, extended the duration of various licenses and permits under the authority of the
Commissioner of Emergency Services and public protection, and suspended ce11ain requirements
for recoupment of overpayment and hearings conducted by the Depat1ment of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7F, dated March 18, 2020, ordered the closure of Large
Shopping Malls, the closure of places of public amusement except public parks and open recreation
areas, expanded Medicaid telehealth coverage, waived in-person service, hearing, and screening
requirements for certain Probate Court proceedings in vulnerable group care settings, and clarified
my order cancelling school classes; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7G, dated March 19, 2020, ordered the postponement of
the presidential primmy, suspended non-critical com1 operations, expanded the availability of
telehealth services, and enacted additional public health measures; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7H, dated March 20, 2020, limited the workplace
operations of non-essential businesses, and on-profit, created a process to designate those that are
essential, and provided for consistency across the state in governmental response to the COVID-
19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 71, dated March 21, 2020, among other things, granted
various forms of financial relief to recipients of public health and economic assistance, enacted
measures to protect the health of children in the care of the Depat1ment of Children and Families,
and enacted a series of measures to allow municipalities and their administrative bodies to conduct
essential business while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respirato1y disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread ofCOVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Depat1ment of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of fifty people or more and social distancing in
smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, if COVID-10 is transmitted to an elderly person, there is a high risk of serious illness
or m011ality; and
WHEREAS, the availability of methadone for ongoing medication assisted treatment is critical
for the treatment of patients by Methadone Maintenance Clinics;
WHEREAS the delive1y of methadone take-home doses will allow for patients that are unable to
travel to the facility an opp01iunity to receive their medication in their home and decrease the risk
of transmission of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, it is critical that fire service personnel in the midst of certification testing are able to
to meet contractual, bylaw, and probationary requirements as mandated by their employers, and
are able to perform their vital public safety role throughout this state of emergency; and
WHEREAS, Governor Rell's Executive Order No. 27, adopted and extended by Governor
Malloy's Executive Order No. 3, restricts the rehiring of Temporary Worker Retirees (TWRs) to
two calendar years; and
WHEREAS, Public Acts 3-01 and 03-2 prohibit the rehiring of any state employee who
participated in the Early Retirement Incentive Program offered in 2003; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has created staffing disruptions in state agencies and has
also increased the need for services provided by state agencies, resulting in critical skills sho1iages
in ce1iain areas, including those related to healthcare and public safety; and
WHEREAS, people who have retired from state service already possess the requisite knowledge,
experience and/or licenses and are willing to return to work on a tempora1y basis can help agencies
mitigate the such staffing shortages; and
WHEREAS, during the current public health crisis, accommodations for safe and effective
operations of state agencies and state employees and the clients of these agencies are rapidly
changing and evolving; and
WHEREAS, during the current public health crisis, additional accommodations and facilities
beyond what is currently available in Connecticut may be necessaiy to address the effects of
COVID-19, including but not limited to housing, health care, and medical treatment; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative to the health and safety of the general public that the State of
Connecticut is able to adapt to the current crisis on an emergency basis, and provide essential
human services for the duration of this emergency; and
WHEREAS, it is critical to the protection of the public health and safety that the Department of
Administrative Services and the agencies for which it provides real estate services be able to
respond to these emergency circumstances as expeditiously as possible; and
WHEREAS, in order to effectively respond to and alleviate the effects of the emergency, ce1iain
statutorily mandated procedures for the leasing, assignment and use of real estate for state agencies,
employees and the general public should be condensed and streamlined, to enable the State to enter
into leases relating to emergency needs created by the COVID-19 crisis; and
WHEREAS, effective utilization of leased real estate may require the State to make ce1iain minor
capital improvements, or acquire furniture, fixtures and equipment; and
WHEREAS, non-essential retailers provide useful and necessaty products and employ tens of
thousands of people throughout the state, and with proper precautions, may be able to conduct
limited operations without increasing the risk of transmission of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, it is critical to the safety and recovery of non-essential businesses and nonprofit
organizations that their buildings and grounds remain secure and in good working order and
continue to receive and process mail and packages; and
WHEREAS, upon a proclamation that a civil preparedness emergency exists, section 28-9(b) of
the Connecticut General Statutes authorizes the modification or suspension in whole or in part by
executive order of any statute or regulation or requirement or part thereof that conflicts with the
efficient and expeditious execution of civil preparedness functions or the protection of public
health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
a. subsections (a), (k) and (o) of Section 4b-23 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, which require agencies to submit requests for space for approval
by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management; to obtain
approval for any space that was not included in the state facilities plan, and
require the approval of the Secretmy of the Office of Policy and
Management of all leases, lease renewals and holdover agreements
proposed by the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative
Services;
e. section 4b-91 that sets forth the process for competitive solicitation for
public works contracts.
Unless otherwise specified herein, this order shall take effect inunediately and shall remain
in effect for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless
earlier modified or terminated by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
2!::;~;~ _
Denise W. Merrill
Secretaiy of the State
Exhibit 12
Lamont Executive Order No. 7K
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited
gatherings of 250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited
to, community, civic, leisure, and sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings;
plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and
regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner
of Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 78, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived certain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled
classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of
business at Department of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget
preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data and
visitation at certain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7D, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and recreational
gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to all service except
food and non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delivery, closed gyms, fitness centers and movie
theaters, and prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7E, dated March 17, 2020, among other things, waived the
requirement for an 180-day school year, limited fingerprinting availability to that for critical
requirements, extended the duration of various licenses and permits under the authority of the
Commissioner of Emergency Services and public protection, and suspended certain requirements
for recoupment of overpayment and hearings conducted by the Depatiment of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7F, dated March 18, 2020, ordered the closure of Large
Shopping Malls, the closure of places of public amusement except public parks and open recreation
areas, expanded Medicaid telehealth coverage, waived in-person service, hearing, and screening
requirements for certain Probate Comt proceedings in vulnerable group care settings, and clarified
my order cancelling school classes; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7G, dated March 19, 2020, ordered the postponement of
the presidential primary, suspended non-critical comt operations, expanded the availability of
telehealth services, and enacted additional public health measures; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7H, dated March 20, 2020, limited the workplace
operations of non-essential businesses, and on-profit, created a process to designate those that are
essential, and provided for consistency across the state in governmental response to the COVID-
19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 71, dated March 21, 2020, among other things, granted
various forms of financial relief to recipients of public health and economic assistance, enacted
measures to protect the health of children in the care of the Department of Children and Families,
and enacted a series of measures to allow municipalities and their administrative bodies to conduct
essential business while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7J, dated March 22, 2020, among other things, expanded
the availability of temporary retired workers to fill critical staffing needs, provided authority to
expedite acquisition and leasing of property to meet emergency response needs, and clarified
restrictions on the operations of non-essential businesses; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of fifty people or more and social distancing in
smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, if COVID-10 is transmitted to an elderly person, there is a high risk of serious illness
or mortality; and
WHEREAS, the existing COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerating spread of the disease in the
State of Connecticut warrants the modification or suspension of ce1tain public health statutes and
regulations delineated below or any part thereof that conflict with the execution of civil
preparedness functions or the protection of public health; and
WHEREAS, nursing homes and related facilities throughout Connecticut are experiencing
staffing shortages as a result of the closure of schools and other effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,
increasing the risk to patients, residents and staff; and
WHEREAS, certain documents require the in-person services of a Notary Public or Commissioner
of the Superior Court and such interactions should be avoided to the maximum extent possible in
order to promote social distancing and the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, in consultation with the Chairman of the Workers Compensation Commission, I
have determined that there exists a compelling state interest that the Workers Compensation
Commission conduct only essential business in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, in consultation with the Probate Court Administrator, I have determined that there
exists a compelling state interest that the Probate Comts conduct only essential business in order
to minimize the spread ofCOVID-19; and
WHEREAS, upon a proclamation that a civil preparedness emergency exists, section 28-9(b) of
the Connecticut General Statutes authorizes the modification or suspension in whole or in pait by
executive order of any statute or regulation or requirement or part thereof that conflicts with the
efficient and expeditious execution of civil preparedness functions or the protection of public
health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
Nothing in this order shall preclude a Probate Comt from holding hearings or
rendering decisions in such time frmnes as the circumstances of the particular
matter warrants and the interest of the parties requires.
a. The person seeking the notarial act ("Signatory") from a Notmy Public
or Commissioner, if not personally known to the Notary Public or
Commissioner, shall present satisfactory evidence ofidentity, as defined
by subsection I 0 of section 3-94a of the General Statutes, while
connected to the Communication Technology, not merely transmit it
prior to or after the transaction;
Unless otherwise specified herein, this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain
in effect for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless
earlier modified or terminated by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
Zt:c;J~;:~
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 13
Lamont Executive Order No. 7L
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of the
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in Connecticut;
and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited gatherings
of250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited to, community, civic,
leisure, and sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; movie screenings; plays or performances;
conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and regulations to protect public health
and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner of Public
Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who are most
vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified in-person
open meetings requirements, waived certain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of hand sanitizer and
personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of childcare, and provide for
increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled classes
in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of business at
Department of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget preparations, and
suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data and visitation at certain health care
and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7D, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and recreational
gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to all service except food and
non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delivery, closed gyms, fitness centers and movie theaters, and
prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7E, dated March 17, 2020, among other things, waived the
requirement for an 180-day school year, limited fingerprinting availability to that for critical requirements,
extended the duration of various licenses and permits under .the authority of the Commissioner of
Emergency Services and public protection, and suspended certain requirements for recoupment of
overpayment and hearings conducted by the Department of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7F, dated March 18, 2020, ordered the closure of Large Shopping
Malls, the closure of places of public amusement except public parks and open recreation areas, expanded
Medicaid telehealth coverage, waived in-person service, hearing, and screening requirements for certain
Probate Court proceedings in vulnerable group care settings, and clarified my order cancelling school
classes; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7G, dated March 19, 2020, ordered the postponement of the
presidential primary, suspended non-critical court operations, expanded the availability of telehealth
services, and enacted additional public health measures; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7H, dated March 20, 2020, limited the workplace operations of
non-essential businesses, and on-profit, created a process to designate those that are essential, and
provided for consistency across the state in governmental response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 71, dated March 21, 2020, among other things, granted various
forms of financial relief to recipients of public health and economic assistance, enacted measures to protect
the health of children in the care of the Department of Children and Families, and enacted a series of
measures to allow municipalities and their administrative bodies to conduct essential business while
reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7J, dated March 22, 2020, among other things, expanded the
availability of temporary retired workers to fill critical staffing needs, provided authority to expedite
acquisition and leasing of property to meet emergency response needs, and clarified restrictions on the
operations of non-essential businesses; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7K, dated March 23, 2020, among other things, suspended non-
critical operations of the Probate Court and the Workers' Compensation Commission, authorized remote
notarization, and provided the Commissioner of Public Health with additional authority to expedite the
public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and may result
in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for individuals
who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of community
mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of the virus, including
cancellation of gatherings of fifty people or more and social distancing in smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, if COVID-10 is transmitted to an elderly person, there is a high risk of serious illness or
mortality; and
WHEREAS, fishing is a healthy outdoor activity and an opportunity to enjoy Connecticut's natural
resources, provided that anglers practice social distancing by standing at least six feet apart, and not
traveling in groups; and
WHEREAS, opening the fishing season early in inland waters will help to limit community spread of
COVID-19 by eliminating the large crowds that often accompany the traditional Opening Day of fishing
in April; and
WHEREAS, Section 7-438(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes restricts reemployment of participants
in the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System (CMERS) to no more than 20 hours each
week or 90 days each calendar year if they are to continue to receive pension benefits; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has created staffing disruptions in municipalities and increased
the need for services provided by municipalities such as police and public safety support, resulting in
critical skills shortages in vital municipal operational areas; and
WHEREAS, people who have retired from municipal service already have the requisite knowledge,
experience and/or licenses and are willing to return to work to help municipalities mitigate such staffing
shortages by performing critical services; and
WHEREAS, Connecticut's Medical Marijuana Program is used by approximately 41,000 patients who
have been diagnosed with a debilitating condition and who rely on the program for the palliative treatment
of their debilitating condition; and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that increased demand on the healthcare system resulting from the COVID-
19 pandemic and heightened protocols to prevent the spread of the virus will create a shortage of medical
personnel and limit the availability of in-person care, making it difficult, if not impossible, for patients to
schedule timely appointments to be certified or recertified as medical marijuana patients or to receive
follow-up care; and
WHEREAS, employees working in the medical marijuana industry may be adversely affected by
COVID-19 and unable to work due to illness, exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19, or childcare
and other familial obligations, causing staffing shortages in the industry; and
WHEREAS, there exists a present need to encourage, facilitate and expedite patient transfers from
nursing homes that are subject to closure under the provisions of Section 19a-533(h) of the Connecticut
General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, due to the closure of some local offices of the registrars of vital statistics throughout the
state, which offices, in accordance with section 7-42 of the Connecticut General Statutes, are responsible,
inter alia, for ascertaining as accurately as each such registrar can, all marriages, deaths and fetal deaths,
and all births in such registrar's town and recording the same in such form and with such particulars as
are prescribed by the Department of Public Health; and
WHEREAS, members of the public, genealogical societies and others desire copies of and access to such
vital records; and
WHEREAS, marriage licenses must be readily obtainable and valid for a longer period; and
WHEREAS, upon a proclamation that a civil preparedness emergency exists, section 28-9(b) of the
Connecticut General Statutes authorizes the modification or suspension in whole or in part by executive
order of any statute or regulation or requirement or part thereof that conflicts with the efficient and
expeditious execution of civil preparedness functions or the protection of public health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby ORDER
AND DIRECT:
1. Continued Cancellation of School Classes. To promote and secure the safety and
protection of children in schools related to the risks of COVID-19, Section 1 of my
Executive Order 7C, canceling all public-school classes, is continued through April 20,
2020, unless earlier extended, modified, or terminated by me. Private schools and other
non-public schools are encouraged to follow the same schedule. Connecticut Unified
School District 1, established pursuant to Section 18-99a of the Connecticut General
Statutes, Unified School District 2, established pursuant to Section 17 a-37, and
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services inpatient facilities
providing school classes or programs are exempt from this section.
5. Extension of Time Period for Nursing Home Transfers. Subsection (h) of Section 19a-
533 of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to extend the time frame for an
applicant to transfer nursing homes in accordance with the provisions of said subsection
from sixty days to "not later than one year following the date that such applicant was
transferred from the nursing home where he or she previously resided."
8. Modification of the requirement that marriage licenses be obtained in the town where
the marriage will be celebrated; extension of marriage license validity. Section 46b-24
of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to allow any couple planning to marry in a
town in which the office of the registrar of vital statistics is closed due to the COVID-19
pandemic to obtain their marriage license from any available registrar of vital statistics
from any town within the State; and to extend the sixty-five (65) day period of validity for
marriage licenses for an additional sixty (60) days for any marriage license that is obtained
or that will expire during the declared public health and civil preparedness emergency.
Unless otherwise specified herein, this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for
the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier modified or terminated
by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
lf:;J~:;z_
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 14
Lamont Executive Order No. 7M
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, the reduction in state persollllel working at state agency offices, including
those of the Department of Transportation, and the difficulty in receiving and reviewing
plans and documents related to encroachment permits, have reduced the ability to review
and decide on applications for such encroachments within the statutorily mandated 90-day
deadline; and
WHEREAS, in order to further prevent the potential public threat and spread ofCOVID19
to any person who might participate in the process of submitting, reviewing, hearing,
discussing, deciding, or appealing an agency, board or commission decision, action, or
related activity, and to allow for delays and unavailability caused by disruptions related to
the COVID-19 pandemic, state agencies, boards, and commissions of this State require
discretion to manage deadlines associated with Chapter 54 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, and other statuto1y and regulatory
deadlines relevant to conducting the business of this State; and
WHEREAS, there is a significant public interest in ensuring that citizens retain their rights
under the Freedom of Information Act during this public health and civil preparedness
emergency, despite the delays and administrative difficulties that the COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, upon a proclamation that a civil preparedness emergency exists, section 28-
9(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes authorizes the modification or suspension in
whole or in pai1 by executive order of any statute or regulation or requirement or part
thereof that conflicts with the efficient and expeditious execution of civil preparedness
functions or the protection of public health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by
viliue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of
Connecticut, do hereby ORDER AND DIRECT:
Ned Lamont
Governor
/J.k: 9 v~L( -
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 15
Lamont Executive Order No. 7N
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March I 0, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things, prohibited
gatherings of 250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including but not limited
to, community, civic, leisure, and sp011ing events; parades; conceits; festivals; movie screenings;
plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and suspended various statutes and
regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the Commissioner
of Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities to protect people who
are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things, modified
in-person open meetings requirements, waived ce11ain rules to mitigate the critical shortage of
hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and increase the availability of
childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things, cancelled
classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote conduct of
business at Department of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for municipal budget
preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing health care data and
visitation at certain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 70, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and recreational
gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to all service except
food and non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delive1y, closed gyms, fitness centers and movie
theaters, and prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7E, dated March 17, 2020, among other things, waived the
requirement for an 180-day school year, limited fingerprinting availability to that for critical
requirements, extended the duration of various licenses and permits under the authority of the
Commissioner of Emergency Services and public protection, and suspended certain requirements
for recoupment of overpayment and hearings conducted by the Depmtment of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7F, dated March 18, 2020, ordered the closure of Large
Shopping Malls, the closure of places of public amusement except public parks and open recreation
areas, expanded Medicaid telehealth coverage, waived in-person service, hearing, and screening
requirements for certain Probate Court proceedings in vulnerable group care settings, and clarified
my order cancelling school classes; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 70, dated March 19, 2020, ordered the postponement of
the presidential primary, suspended non-critical court operations, expanded the availability of
telehealth services, and enacted additional public health measures; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7H, dated March 20, 2020, limited the workplace
operations of non-essential businesses, and on-profit, created a process to designate those that are
essential, and provided for consistency across the state in governmental response to the COVID-
19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 71, dated March 21, 2020, among other things, granted
various forms of financial relief to recipients of public health and economic assistance, enacted
measures to protect the health of children in the care of the Department of Children and Families,
and enacted a series of measures to allow municipalities and their administrative bodies to conduct
essential business while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7J, dated March 22, 2020, among other things, expanded
the availability of tempormy retired workers to fill critical staffing needs, provided authority to
expedite acquisition and leasing of property to meet emergency response needs, and clarified
restrictions on the operations of non-essential businesses; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7K, dated March 23, 2020, among other things, suspended
non-critical operations of the Probate Comt and the Workers' Compensation Commission,
authorized remote notarization, and provided the Commissioner of Public Health with additional
authority to expedite the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 71, dated March 24, 2020, among other things, extended
the cancellation of public school classes through April 20, 2020, opened fishing season early to
provide a safe recreational activity during this period of limited availability of other options,
provided for continued availability of medical marijuana for patients with debilitating conditions,
eased the ability for certain patients to transfer between nursing homes, and provided for increased
availability of vital records services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7M, dated March 25, 2020, preserved the rights of the
public in ce1tain proceedings under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act and authorized
commissioners of state agencies to suspend or modify administrative deadlines and other
requirements of Chapter 54 of the Connecticut General Statutes and other agency-specific
administrative requirements; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce spread ofCOVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of ten people or more and social distancing in
smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, confirmed COVID-19 infections and resulting hospitalizations have increased
significantly in recent days, at the same time that residents of areas with high infection rates have
arrived in Connecticut, creating a need to enact further mandato1y distancing measures to limit the
rate of spread of the disease; and
WHEREAS, Public Act 19-117, codified as Section 22a-246a of the 2020 Supplement to the
Connecticut General Statutes, in order to reduce waste and litter and their resulting harm to the
quality of the environment and waters of the State of Connecticut and associated environmental
costs, imposed a 10-cent-per-bag tax on single-use plastic checkout bags at various retail and other
establishments; and
WHEREAS, while the Connecticut Department of Public Health has examined this issue and
found that existing precautions, including frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds or use of
alcohol based sanitizer, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, and routine cleaning of
public spaces and frequently handled items will greatly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission
for workers in high volume retail settings, many employees of retail establishments have expressed
concern about the handling of such bags; and
WHEREAS, retail and especially grocery and restaurant workers are making a critical
contribution to keeping food readily available to the public during this public health and civil
preparedness emergency, their continued contribution is essential to the state's ability to enact
appropriate distancing measures, and their concerns are respected; and
WHEREAS, Connecticut law mandates annual statewide assessments to measure student
achievement and to determine school accountability, in addition to the federal testing requirements
which were waived by the U.S. Department of Education on March 20, 2020 for the full state; and
WHEREAS, in light of the major disruption caused by the cancellation of classes statewide in
Connecticut, on March 20, 2020, the Connecticut State Depmtment of Education secured a federal
waiver for the 2019-20 school year from (i) all state-mandated assessments in all grades and
subjects; and (ii) district/school accountability measures under the Eve1y Student Succeeds Act;
and
WHEREAS, demand for firearms and ammunition since the declaration of this public health and
civil preparedness emergency has increased dramatically, for example with 19,943 firearms
purchase or transfer authorizations completed in March 2020 so far compared to 12,572 in all of
March 2019, resulting in difficulty for dealers in transmitting authorization requests, larger than
normal lines and crowds, and significant burdens on the staff and systems who process such
requests, compromising their ability to process the requests and perform other critical emergency
services and public safety duties; and
WHEREAS, upon a proclamation that a civil preparedness emergency exists, section 28-9(b) of
the Connecticut General Statutes authorizes the modification or suspension in whole or in part by
executive order of any statute or regulation or requirement or part thereof that conflicts with the
efficient and expeditious execution of civil preparedness functions or the protection of public
health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, NED LAMONT, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Connecticut, do hereby
ORDER AND DIRECT:
Unless otherwise specified herein, this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in
effect for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier
modified or terminated by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
:tt:c;~m;~ (
Denise W. Merrill
Secretaiy of the State
Exhibit 16
Lamont Executive Order No. 7O
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued declarations of public health and civil
preparedness emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of
Connecticut as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United
States and confirmed spread in Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7, dated March 12, 2020, among other things,
prohibited gatherings of250 people or more for social and recreational activities, including
but not limited to, community, civic, leisure, and spotting events; parades; concerts;
festivals; movie screenings; plays or performances; conventions; and similar activities, and
suspended various statutes and regulations to protect public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7A, dated March 13, 2020, authorized the
Commissioner of Public Health to restrict entrance into nursing homes and similar facilities
to protect people who are most vulnerable to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7B, dated March 14, 2020, among other things,
modified in-person open meetings requirements, waived certain rules to mitigate the
critical shortage of hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain and
increase the availability of childcare, and provide for increased healthcare resources and
facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7C, dated March 15, 2020, among other things,
cancelled classes in public schools for at least two weeks, provided for closure and remote
conduct of business at Department of Motor Vehicle branches, extended deadlines for
municipal budget preparations, and suspended or modified laws and regulations governing
health care data and visitation at certain health care and congregate care settings; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7D, dated March 16, 2020, restricted social and
recreational gatherings of all types to fewer than 50 people, closed bars and restaurants to
all service except food and non-alcoholic beverage takeout and delivety, closed gyms,
fitness centers and movie theaters, and prohibited on-site operations at off-track betting
facilities; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7E, dated March 17, 2020, among other things,
waived the requirement for an 180-day school year, limited fingerprinting availability to
that for critical requirements, extended the duration of various licenses and permits under
the authority of the Commissioner of Emergency Services and public protection, and
suspended certain requirements for recoupment of overpayment and hearings conducted
by the Department of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7F, dated March 18, 2020, ordered the closure of
Large Shopping Malls, the closure of places of public amusement except public parks and
open recreation areas, expanded Medicaid telehealth coverage, waived in-person setvice,
hearing, and screening requirements for certain Probate Court proceedings in vulnerable
group care settings, and clarified my order cancelling school classes; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7G, dated March 19, 2020, ordered the
postponement of the presidential primary, suspended non-critical court operations,
expanded the availability of telehealth services, and enacted additional public health
measures; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7H, dated March 20, 2020, limited the workplace
operations of non-essential businesses and non-profits, created a process to designate those
that are. essential, and provided for consistency across the state in governmental response
to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 71, dated March 21, 2020, among other things,
granted various forms of financial relief to recipients of public health and economic
assistance, enacted measures to protect the health of children in the care of the Depatiment
of Children and Families, and enacted a series of measures to allow municipalities and their
administrative bodies to conduct essential business while reducing the risk of COVID-19
transmission; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7J, dated March 22, 2020, among other things,
expanded the availability of temporary retired workers to fill critical staffing needs,
provided authority to expedite acquisition and leasing of property to meet emergency
response needs, and clarified restrictions on the operations of non-essential businesses; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7K, dated March 23, 2020, among other things,
suspended non-critical operations of the Probate Court and the Workers' Compensation
Commission, authorized remote notarization, and provided the Commissioner of Public
Health with additional authority to expedite the public health response to the COVID-19
pandemic; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 71, dated March 24, 2020, among other things,
extended the cancellation of public school classes through April 20, 2020, opened fishing
season early to provide a safe recreational activity during this period of limited availability
of other options, provided for continued availability of medical marijuana for patients with
debilitating conditions, eased the ability for ce1iain patients to transfer between nursing
homes, and provided for increased availability of vital records services; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7M, dated March 25, 2020, preserved the rights of
the public in certain proceedings under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act and
authorized commissioners of state agencies to suspend or modify administrative deadlines
and other requirements of Chapter 54 of the Connecticut General Statutes and other
agency-specific administrative requirements; and
WHEREAS, my Executive Order No. 7N, dated March 26, 2020, restricted social and
recreational gatherings to no more than five (5) people, imposed additional distancing
measures on restaurants, eating establishments, and retail operations, suspended the tax on
single-use plastic checkout bags and allowed employees to decline to bag items in reusable
bags, suspended the 21-month limit on Tempormy Family Assistance, and suspended
school testing assessments for the current school year; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respirat01y disease that spreads easily from person to person
and may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a
pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health
conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend
implementation of community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus
and to slow transmission of the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of ten people or
more and social distancing in smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, confirmed COVID-19 infections and resulting hospitalizations have
increased significantly in recent days, at the same time that residents of areas with high
infection rates have arrived in Connecticut, creating a need to enact fmiher mandatory
distancing measures to limit the rate of spread of the disease; and
WHEREAS, the Depmiment of Public Health is required by statute and regulations to
license certain individuals and facilities and, in the interest of limiting person-to-person
contact and continuing to provide adequate healthcare resources and ensure the continuity
of other licensed work, it is necessmy to suspend license renewal activities and certain
inspections during the declared public health and civil preparedness emergency; and
WHEREAS, the continued operation of health care facilities or institutions, as defined by
Section 19a-905 of the Connecticut General Statutes, is critical to the response to the
declared public health and civil preparedness emergency; and
WHEREAS, Connecticut may experience a shortage of health care providers, as defined
in such statute, because of the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the maintenance of staffing levels at such facilities or institutions may require
certain health care providers to work at multiple health care facilities or institutions during
the response to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the issuance and maintenance by such health care facilities or institutions of
identification badges, in complete conformance with Section I 9a-905 of the Connecticut
General Statutes, for health care providers who provide direct patient care at such facility
or institution, may hinder flexible and responsive deployment of healthcare resources
during the emergency; and
WHEREAS, the state has experienced widespread sho1tages of hand sanitizer which is
critical for the prevention of COVID-19 related transmission when access to hand
washing is not available, and ce1tain manufacturers of other products, including liquor,
are able and willing to produce it; and
WHEREAS, there is a critical lack of supply for ce1tain medical devices, including
personal protective equipment, which is needed to reduce the transmission of COVID-19
and to keep healthcare workers safe in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, the Office of Early Childhood wishes to ensure continuity of care for
infants and toddlers with disabilities, and required family cost patticipation fees for early
intervention services pose a barrier to participation for families experiencing financial
hardship due to COVID-19; and
Unless otherwise specified herein, this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain
in effect for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless
earlier modified or terminated by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
Jt:_x;J"JJJ:.:;;:_
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 17
Lamont Executive Order No. 7P
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued a declaration of public health and civil
preparedness emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of
Connecticut as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the
United States and confirmed spread in Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, first responders and healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19
pandemic face increased risk of exposure and infection, and if exposed or infected, may
need alternative housing to avoid transmitting the disease to coworkers or family
members, and municipalities and agencies who arrange such housing may require federal
reimbursement; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control has recommended that states, especially
those with higher rates of growth in the number of infected people, take measures to
reduce density within homeless shelters and other congregant housing situations, and the
Federal Emergency Management Agency is making funding available to reimburse states
for certain related expenditures; and
WHEREAS, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health and other members
of my leadership team, I have determined that reducing density in congregant housing
and providing alternate housing for people experiencing homelessness is necessary to
protect public health and safety; and
.~&... L~~~
Ned Lamont
Governor
~u~/C.-
Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 18
Lamont Executive Order No. 7Q
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NED LAMONT
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, I issued a declaration of public health and civil preparedness
emergencies, proclaiming a state of emergency throughout the State of Connecticut as a result of
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and confirmed spread in
Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to such declaration, I have issued seventeen (17) executive orders to
suspend or modify statutes and to take other actions necessary to protect public health and safety
and to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from person to person and
may result in serious illness or death; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic;
and
WHEREAS, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher for
individuals who are 60 years of age or older and for those who have chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend implementation of
community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus and to slow transmission of
the virus, including cancellation of gatherings of ten people or more and social distancing in
smaller gatherings; and
WHEREAS, ongoing childcare operations are necessmy to suppmt the essential workforce, and
it is vital to protect the health and safety of children and staff in childcare facilities and limit the
spread ofCOVID-19; and
WHEREAS, current regulations allow group sizes of as many as 20 children in childcare facilities,
increasing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among staff, children, and their families, and
reducing such group sizes is necessmy to reduce such risk; and
WHEREAS, certain documents require the in-person services of a Notmy Public or
Commissioner of the Superior Comt and such interactions should be avoided to the maximum
extent possible in order to promote social distancing and the mitigation of the spread of the
COIVD-19; and
WHEREAS, certain documents, in addition to notarization or acknowledgement, require the
presence of in-person witnesses to their signature, which could increase the risk of transmission
ofCOVID-19; and
1. Limited Grnup Sizes in Childcare. To limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect
the health and safety of children and staff in all child care facilities that are continuing
to operate during this civil preparedness and public health emergency, Section 19a-
79 and any related regulations, rules, or policies, are modified to require that all child
care facilities shall limit group sizes to no more than ten children in one space, and
to authorize the Commissioner of Early Childhood to issue any implementing orders
she deems necessary. Any childcare operation seeking to caring for more than thirty
children in one facility shall seek approval to do so from the Commissioner and
demonstrate sufficient separation of groups within the facility. This order applies to
all childcare operations, including but not limited to childcare centers, group
childcare homes, family childcare homes, youth camps, and childcare facilities that
are exempt from licensing requirements pursuant to Section 19a-77 of the
Connecticut General Statues.
2. Enhanced Health Procedures for All Operating Child Care Programs. All
children and childcare workers shall be screened before entrance to any childcare
operation, as described herein, for any observable illness, including cough or
respiratory distress, and to confirm body temperature below one hundred degrees
Fahrenheit. All staff shall practice enhanced handwashing and health practices,
including covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the corner of the elbow and
assisting children with such increased handwashing and health practices. Enhanced
cleaning and disinfection practices shall be implemented in all facilities to prevent
the spread ofCOVID-19. This order applies to all childcare operations including but
not limited to childcare centers, group childcare homes, family childcare homes,
youth camps, and childcare facilities that are exempt from licensing requirements
pursuant to Section l 9a-77 of the Connecticut General Statues. The Commissioner
of Early Childhood may issue any implementing orders she deems necessmy
consistent with this order.
a. The person seeking the notarial act ("Signatoty") from a Notmy Public or
Commissioner, if not personally known to the Notary Public or
Commissioner, shall present satisfactory evidence of identity, as defined by
subsection 10 of section 3-94a of the General Statutes, while connected to
the Communication Technology, not merely transmit it prior to or after the
transaction;
h. All witness requirements on any document, other than a Last Will and
Testament, requiring a notarial act are hereby suspended for the duration of
this Executive Order.
Unless othe1wise specified herein, this order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in
effect for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier
modified or terminated by me.
Ned Lamont
Governor
JI:_c;;~;z
Denise W. Menill
-
Secretary of the State
Exhibit 19
Affidavit of Jonathan Giftos
Exhibit 20
Letter from Yale Transitions Clinic to
Governor Lamont
Yale University Emily A. Wang, M.D., MAS Campus address:
Associate Professor Harkness Hall, Bldg A
Division of General Internal Medicine 367 Cedar St., Suite 410A
School of Medicine New Haven, CT 06510
Tel: (203) 737-6317
Fax: (203) 737-3306
[email protected]
We write out of our grave concern that, absent immediate action, COVID-19 will overrun
Connecticut’s jails and prisons. That tragedy will have far-reaching effects not only for the
thousands of Connecticut residents who live and work in correctional facilities, their families and
communities, but also for the population of the state as a whole. Connecticut’s healthcare system
simply does not have the capacity to treat a massive outbreak in the incarcerated population at the
same time as it treats patients throughout the rest of the state. As jails and prisons become
flashpoints for infection, the outbreak will overwhelm already limited state healthcare resources.
Connecticut has days, not weeks, to chart a different future. Under current conditions, in
which there is no cure and no widespread testing, the thousands of Connecticut residents who live
and work in correctional facilities are simply unable to practice the most effective method of
prevention: social distancing. To create the requisite spacing of 6 feet between individuals, the
State must (a) rapidly decrease the density of its prisons, jails, and halfway houses and (b)
1
implement humane and evidence-based approaches to protect the health of incarcerated individuals
and staff alike. Success is possible but will require coordinated, urgent action among all relevant
agencies, including the Department of Correction, the judiciary, the Chief State’s Attorney, law
enforcement, the Department of Public Health, and the Connecticut Department of Housing. We
call upon you to use the full powers of your office to lead the way through this public health
emergency.
COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease. Due to its novelty, there exist few tools for
containment and even fewer for treatment. The scientific community currently lacks a vaccine or
cure. Neither the United States nor the state of Connecticut possesses sufficient resources to screen
or test individuals, and projections show that, absent extreme intervention, infections will rapidly
outpace available healthcare resources. We commend that your office has already taken decisive
action to limit exposure among most state residents by ordering one of the few proven prevention
methods: social distancing. As already seen in the reduced rates of new infections, social
distancing works.
The Department of Correction has stated that it is employing standard measures used to
contain other communicable diseases, such as the flu, but these are inadequate in the face of the
novel coronavirus. COVID-19 is estimated to be nearly 3 times more contagious than the flu and
is deadlier. Furthermore, we are learning more about this novel coronavirus every day and it is
becoming increasingly clear that a significant percent of infections are transmitted by people even
before they develop symptoms, meaning that there is no screening practice (checking temperatures
or asking about symptoms) that is adequate. Additionally, whereas the flu is transmitted only by
large droplets (i.e., 6 feet of distancing protects people), COVID-19 is now known to be passed in
the air as well. Under these circumstances, even heightened hygiene practices—frequent washing
of hands with soap, regular bleaching and disinfection of public surfaces, and the like—are
insufficient. Further, proper containment and treatment of the novel coronavirus will require
facilities to quarantine people and will surely put a strain on the already understaffed healthcare
2
system in the Department of Correction. At Yale-New Haven Hospital, we have already seen that
as more people have become sick, staff have become sick as well, and we are struggling to develop
adequate staffing plans. Sick individuals will need to be sent to community-based hospitals, which
themselves are already struggling to provide adequate care to others.
While more must be done in the coming weeks and months, as a starting point, we suggest
the following immediate actions:
1. To the maximum extent possible, reduce the number of people entering and re-
entering the system. We applaud the state for already making efforts to mitigate dangers in this
area, as announced in the Department of Correction’s March 24 release. Police and State’s
Attorneys should decline to arrest or prosecute individuals except where an individual poses a
serious threat to public safety. Parole officers should halt the reincarceration of people on technical
parole violations.
3. Immediately release all people convicted of nonviolent offenses who are scheduled
to be released in 90 days, all people who are eligible for parole and community
supervision/release, and anyone incarcerated for a technical parole, probation violation, or
conditional discharge. As of today, we estimate that there are 4,112 people in custody with fewer
than 90 days left on their sentences, 201 of whom are 60 or older. Additionally, we estimate that
1,503 people are currently in custody for violation of probation or conditional discharge, 51 of
whom are 60 or older. The state should continue to exercise the use of transitional supervision
more aggressively to facilitate the release of people with shorter sentences. Additionally, the
Connecticut Board of Pardons and Parole should expedite the release of people already found
suitable for release on parole, expedite all review processes for people eligible for parole, exercise
its power to commute sentences, and use its discretion to grant compassionate parole release. The
Board should refrain, however, from requiring transitional housing as part of that process, in order
to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within these congregate settings.
The advantage of releasing the populations outlined above lies in the fact that most have
spent less time incarcerated and are more likely to have maintained social bonds with their
communities outside of prison. Their families and communities are better equipped to aid them in
self-quarantine than are prisons, jails, and halfway houses. Individuals who fit the above criteria
for release should be screened to determine if they have somewhere to live in the community where
they can self-isolate if necessary. Individuals with such available housing should be prioritized for
immediate release.
3
We note that the goal here is to thin the incarcerated population—by the most expeditious
means possible, including releasing the healthy—to allow for social distancing. In some cases,
sick individuals may have a more difficult time finding a safe place to live upon release, not least
because of the lack of medical capacity in the state.
We are very appreciative of the significant efforts you have already made to ensure people
who are released have safe accommodations in the community, and to ensure that no one is
released to homelessness.
Sincerely,
4
Lisa Puglisi, MD
Abbe R. Gluck
Professor of Law and Faculty Director, Solomon Center for Health Law and Policy
Yale Law School
Professor of Medicine (General Medicine), Yale Medical School
Jackson Skeen
J.D. ’22
Yale Law School
Transitions Medical Legal Partnership
5
Exhibit 21
Appendix
Appendix: Court Actions Across the Country to Reduce Incarceration in Light of Covid-19 1
1
Kentucky Kentucky, Chief Letter to state • Kentucky, Chief Justice John Minton Jr. told state’s judges and court
Justice John judges and clerks to release jail inmates “as quickly as we can” noting, “jails are
Minton Jr. court clerks susceptible to worse-case scenarios due to the close proximity of
people and the number of pre-existing conditions,” and that courts
have the responsibility “to work with jailers and other county officials
to safely release as many defendants as we can as quickly as we can.” 7
Maine State of Maine Emergency • The Superior Court and District Court ordered all trial courts to
Superior Court, Order immediately vacate all outstanding warrants for unpaid fines,
Chief Justice restitution, fees, and failures to appear. 8
Mullen and District
Court Chief Judge
Sparaco and
Deputy Chief
Judge French
Michigan Chief Justice Joint • In a Joint statement, Chief Justice McCormack urged judges to “use
Bridget M. Statement the statutory authority they have to reduce and suspend jail sentences
McCormack, for people who do not pose a public safety risk[,]… release far more
Michigan Supreme people on their own recognizance while they await their day in
Court court…[a]nd judges should use probation and treatment programs as
jail alternatives. 9
Montana Supreme Court of Letter to • Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court urged judges to “review
Montana, Chief Judges your jail rosters and release, without bond, as many prisoners as you
Justice McGrath are able, especially those being held for non-violent offenses.” 10
New Jersey New Jersey Consent Order • In New Jersey, after the Supreme Court ordered briefing and argument
Supreme Court, on why it should not order the immediate release of individuals serving
Chief Justice county jail sentences, the Attorney General and County Prosecutors
Rabner agreed to create an immediate presumption of release for every person
serving a county jail sentence in New Jersey. 11
New York New York State Judicial ruling • In a habeas petition brought by the Legal Aid Society, a Justice Doris
Supreme Court, based on writ M. Gonzales ordered the release of 106 individuals currently held at
Bronx County, of habeas Rikers Island on a non-criminal technical parole violation. These
Justice Doris M. corpus individuals were selected in the petition by virtue of their age and/or
Gonzales underlying medical condition. 12
2
New York Judicial ruling • In a habeas petition brought by the Legal Aid Society, a Justice Mark
Supreme Court based on writ Dwyer ordered the release of 16 individuals currently held at Rikers
Justice Mark of habeas Island on pretrial detention or parole violation. These individuals were
Dwyer corpus selected in the petition by virtue of their age and/or underlying medical
condition. 13
Ohio Ohio Supreme News • Chief Justice O’Connor urged “judges to use their discretion and
Court, Chief Justice Conference release people held in jail and incarcerated individuals who are in a
Maureen O'Connor high-risk category for being infected with the virus.” 14
South Supreme Court of Memorandum • The Chief Justice instructed that “any person charged with a non-
Carolina South Carolina, capital crime shall be ordered released pending trial on his own
Chief Justice recognizance without surety, unless an unreasonable danger to the
Beatty community will result or the accused is an extreme flight risk.” 15
• Following the order, more than 85 people have been released from the
Greenville County Detention Center in Greenville, South Carolina.
Texas Travis County, Individual • Travis County has begun releasing some defendants in custody with
Texas, Judges Court Orders underlying health conditions, to reduce the potential spread of
COVID-19 in the county’s jails. After Austin saw its first positive
cases of COVID-19, judges in the county nearly doubled its release of
people from local jails on personal bonds, with one judge alone
reversing four bond decisions after “balancing this pandemic and
public health safety of inmates against what they’re charged with.” 16
Utah Utah Supreme Administrative • The Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court ordered that for
Court and Utah Order defendants in-custody on certain misdemeanor offenses, “the assigned
Judicial Council, judge must reconsider the defendant’s custody status and is
Chief Justice encouraged to release the defendant subject to appropriate
Durrant conditions.” 17
3
Washington Washington Order • Chief Justice Stephens ordered judges not to issue bench warrants for
Supreme Court, failure to appear, “unless necessary for the immediate preservation of
Chief Justice public or individual safety” and “to hear motions for pretrial release on
Stephens an expediated basis without requiring a motion to shorten time.”
Additionally, for populations designated as at-risk or vulnerable by the
Centers for Disease Control, the COVID-19 crisis is presumed to be a
material change in circumstances to permit amendment of a previous
bail order or to modify conditions of pre-trial release. 18
Wyoming Wyoming Supreme Order • The Chief Justice instructed judges to issue summonses instead of
Court, Chief Justice bench warrants, unless public safety compels otherwise. 19
Davis
Federal C.D. Cal, Judge Minute Order • The Court granted temporary release for 90 days, pursuant to 18
Criminal James V. Selna U.S.C. § 3142 (i), which authorizes discretionary temporary release
Detention when necessary for a person’s defense or another compelling reason.
Judge Selna held the defendant’s age and medical conditions, which
place him in the population most susceptible to COVID-19, and in
light of the pandemic, to constitute “another compelling reason” and
granted his temporary release. 20
D. Conn., Judge Order • Judge Meyer ordered the release of defendant stating that “the
Jeffrey A. Meyer conditions of confinement at Wyatt are not compatible” with current
COVID-19 public health guidance concerning social distancing and
avoiding congregating in large groups. Judge Meyer is one of four
federal judges in Connecticut who has released inmates in connection
with the COVID-19 pandemic. 21
D. Conn., Judge Order • Judge Bryant ordered the release of a sentenced prisoner at Wyatt who
Vanessa Bryant had “less than eight weeks left to serve on his sentence, [and] is
immunocompromised and suffers from multiple chronic conditions
that are in flux and predispose him to potentially lethal complications
if he contracts COVID-19.” 22
4
D.D.C., Judge Minute Order • Judge Moss released defendant, despite acknowledging offense
Randolph D. Moss charged--marijuana distribution and felon in possession—“is serious”
because among other factors mitigating public safety concerns
“incarcerating the defendant while the current COVID-19 crisis
continues to expand poses a greater risk to community safety than
posed by Defendant’s release to home confinement.” 23
D.D.C., Judge Memorandum • Judge Moss released defendant while awaiting trial after weighing the
Randolph D. Moss Opinion risk to the public of releasing defendant [charged with distribution of
child pornography] directly against risk to community safety if
defendant remained incarcerated in light of the COVID-19
pandemic. 24
D. Nev., Judge Opinion and • Judge Jones delayed defendant’s date to surrender to begin his
Jones Order intermittent confinement by a minimum of 30 days because “[i]n
considering the total harm and benefits to prisoner and society . . .
temporarily suspending [defendant’s] intermittent confinement would
appear to satisfy the interests of everyone during this rapidly
encroaching pandemic.” In coming to this conclusion, the court placed
weight on the fact that “incarcerated individuals are at special risk of
infection, given their living situations, and may also be less able to
participate in proactive measures to keep themselves safe; because
infection control is challenging in these settings. 25
D. S.C., Judge Order • Judge Norton granted compassionate release for 73-year-old with
David C. Norton severe health conditions under the First Step Act, “[g]iven defendant’s
tenuous health condition and age, remaining incarcerated during the
current global pandemic puts him at even higher risk for severe illness
and possible death, and Congress has expressed its desire for courts to
[release federal inmates who are vulnerable to COVID-19].” 26
5
N.D. Cal., Judge Sua Sponte • Judge Chhabria issued a sua sponte decision extending defendant’s
Vince Chhabria Order surrender date from June 12, 2020 to September 1, 2020 stating: “By
now it almost goes without saying that we should not be adding to the
prison population during the COVID-19 pandemic if it can be avoided
. . . To avoid adding to the chaos and creating unnecessary health risks,
offenders who are on release and scheduled to surrender to the Bureau
of Prisons in the coming months should, absent truly extraordinary
circumstances, have their surrender dates extended until this public
health crisis has passed.” 27
N.D. Cal., Judge Order • Judge Hixon released a 74-year old in light of COVID-19 holding
Hixson “[t]he risk that this vulnerable person will contract COVID-19 while in
jail is a special circumstance that warrants bail. Release under the
current circumstances also serves the United States’ treaty obligation
to Peru, which – if there is probable cause to believe Toledo
committed the alleged crimes – is to deliver him to Peru alive.” 28
S.D.N.Y., Judge Amended • Judge Englemayer granted defendant temporary release from custody,
Paul A. Order pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142(i), “based on the unique confluence of
Engelmayer serious health issues and other risk factors facing this defendant,
including but not limited to the defendant’s serious progressive lung
disease and other significant health issues, which place him at a
substantially heightened risk of dangerous complications should be
contract COVID-19 as compared to most other individuals.” 29
S.D.N.Y., Judge Opinion & • Judge Nathan ordered the Defendant released subject to the additional
Alison J. Nathan Order conditions of 24-hour home incarceration and electronic location
monitoring as directed by the Probation Department based in part on
“the unprecedented and extraordinarily dangerous nature of the
COVID-19 pandemic” which may place “at a heightened risk of
contracting COVID-19 should an outbreak develop [in a prison].” 30
6
Federal 9th Cir., Judges Sua Sponte • The panel held “[i]n light of the rapidly escalating public health crisis,
Immigration Wardlaw, M. Order which public health authorities predict will especially impact
Detention Smith, and Judge immigration detention centers, the court sua sponte orders that
Siler, 6th Cir., Petitioner be immediately released from detention and that removal of
sitting by Petitioner be stayed pending final disposition by this court.” 31
designation.
C.D. Cal, Judge TRO and order • Judge Halter ordered the release of two ICE detainees. The court found
Terry J. Halter, Jr. to show cause that in detention “[p]etitioners have not been protected [against risks
based on writ associated with COVID-19]. They are not kept at least 6 feet apart
of habeas from others at all times. They have been put into a situation where they
corpus are forced to touch surfaces touched by other detainees, such as with
common sinks, toilets and showers. Moreover, the Government cannot
deny the fact that the risk of infection in immigration detention
facilities – and jails – is particularly high if an asymptomatic guard, or
other employee, enters a facility. While social visits have been
discontinued at Adelanto, the rotation of guards and other staff
continues.” 32
D. Mass, Judge Oral Order • Judge Wolf ordered the release, with conditions, from ICE custody a
Mark L.Wolf member of the class in Calderon v. Nielsen based, in part, on the
“extraordinary circumstances” posed by COVID-19. 33
S.D.N.Y., Judge Memorandum • Judge Daniels ordered the release, under Mapp v. Reno, 241 F.3d 221
George B. Daniels Decision and (2d Cir. 2001), of an individual as there was likelihood of success on
Order the merits and COVID-19 risks and individual’s own medical issues
constituted “extraordinary circumstances warranting release.” 34
S.D.N.Y., Judge Opinion and • Judge Nathan ordered the immediate release of four detainees finding
Alison J. Nathan Order “no evidence that the government took any specific action to prevent
the spread of COVID-19 to high-risk individuals . . . held in civil
detention.” 35
7
S.D.N.Y., Judge Memorandum • Judge Torres granted immediate release on recognizance for ten
Analisa Torres Decision and individuals in immigration detention who have a variety of chronic
Order. health conditions that put them at high risk for COVID-19. These
conditions include obesity, asthma, diabetes, pulmonary disease,
history of congestive heart failure, respiratory problems,
gastrointestinal problems, and colorectal bleeding. The court held
detainees face serious risks to their health in confinement and “if they
remain in immigration detention constitutes irreparable harm
warranting a TRO.” 36
1
This chart provides only a sample of the judicial action taken throughout the country as judges continue to respond to the COVID-19
pandemic.
2
Administrative Order, No. 2020-00010, Ala. Ct. App. (Mar. 18, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I4QLwsytSVkdOuo5p6qb1JcuFWcAV4oA/view?usp=sharing. Note: the original order has been
revised to provide discretion to the Sheriffs. See Mike Carson, Alabama Judge Orders Jail Inmates Released, then Leaves it Up to
Sheriffs, AL.Com (Mar. 19, 2020), https://www.al.com/news/2020/03/alabama-judge-orders-jail-inmates-released-then-leaves-it-up-
to-sheriffs.html.
3
Scott Buffon, Coconino County Jail Releases Nonviolent Inmates in Light of Coronavirus Concerns, Arizona Daily Sun (updated
Mar. 25, 2020), https://azdailysun.com/news/local/coconino-county-jail-releases-nonviolent-inmates-in-light-of-
coronavirus/article_a6046904-18ff-532a-9dba-54a58862c50b.html.
4
Advisory from California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye to Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers of the California
Courts (Mar. 20, 2020), https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-chief-justice-issues-second-advisory-on-emergency-relief-
measures.
5
Standing Order of the Sacramento Superior Court, No. SSC-20-PA5 (Mar. 17, 2020), https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/general/standing-
orders/docs/ssc-20-5.pdf.
6
Order, Office of the Public Defender v. Connors, SCPW-20-0000200 and SCPW-20-0000213 (Sup. Ct. Haw. April 2, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dRyOtJhLG3-oe8AH4MmFx12X4XmSruEC
7
Kyle C. Barry, Some Supreme Courts Are Helping Shrink Jails to Stop Outbreaks. Others Are Lagging Behind., The Appeal (Mar.
25, 2020), https://theappeal.org/politicalreport/some-supreme-courts-are-helping-shrink-jails-coronavirus; John Cheves, Chief Justice
Pleads for Kentucky Inmate Release Ahead of COVID-19 but Progress Slow, Lexington Herald Leader (Mar. 23, 2020),
https://www.kentucky.com/news/coronavirus/article241428266.html.
8
8
Emergency Order Vacating Warrants for Unpaid Fines, Unpaid Restitution, Unpaid Court-Appointed Counsel Fees, and Other
Criminal Fees (Mar. 17, 2020), https://www.courts.maine.gov/covid19/emergency-order-vacating-warrants-fines-fees.pdf.
9
Joint Statement of Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack, Mich. Sup. Ct. and Sheriff Matt Saxton, Exec. Dir., Mich. Sheriff Ass’n
(Mar. 26, 2020), https://courts.michigan.gov/News-
Events/press_releases/Documents/CJ%20and%20MSA%20Joint%20Statement%20draft%202%20(003).pdf.
10
Letter from Chief Justice Mike McGrath, Mont. Sup. Ct, to Mont. Ct. of Ltd. Jurisdiction Judges (Mar. 20, 2020),
https://courts.mt.gov/Portals/189/virus/Ltr%20to%20COLJ%20Judges%20re%20COVID-19%20032020.pdf?ver=2020-03-20-
115517-333.
11
Consent Order, In the Matter of the Request to Commute or Suspend County Jail Sentences, No. 084230 (N.J. March 22, 2020),
https://www.aclu-nj.org/files/5415/8496/4744/2020.03.22_-_Consent_Order_Filed_Stamped_Copy-1.pdf.
12
People of the State of New York, ex rel., v. Cynthia Brann, No. 260154/2020 (Sup. Ct. NY Mar. 25, 2020),
https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2f1.800.gay%3a443%2fhttps%2flegalaidnyc.org%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2020%2f03%2fLAS-Mass-
Parole-Holds-Writ.pdf&c=E,1,pDbcoVtCJ0c6j6E8cI3m276yaRsx-nzttikQuvDWwS91mRHj6RhL8o5pEJmJl-lk86sC7-
f1rq9dTIh2Pe3ZmAUcoZCiC9er2g4Z4mL_ToQ,&typo=1; see also Frank G. Runyeon, NY Judges Release 122 Inmates as Virus
Cases Spike in Jails, Law360 (March 27, 2020), https://www.law360.com/newyork/articles/1257871/ny-judges-release-122-inmates-
as-virus-cases-spike-in-jails.
13
Jeffrey v. Bran, (Sup. Ct. NY Mar. 26, 2020). See Press Release, Redmon Haskins, Legal Aid Wins Release of 16 Incarcerated New
Yorkers at a High Risk of COVID-19 from City Jails (Mar. 26, 2020),
https://legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03-26-20-Legal-Aid-Wins-Release-of-16-Incarcerated-New-Yorkers-at-a-high-
risk-of-COVID-19-from-City-Jails.pdf;
see also Runyeon, NY Judges Release 122 Inmates, supra note 11.
14
Press Conference, Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor and Gov. Mike DeWine (Mar. 19, 2020); see also WLWT5, Release Ohio
Jail Inmates Vulnerable to Coronavirus, Chief Justice Urges (Mar. 19, 2020), https://www.wlwt.com/article/release-ohio-jail-inmates-
vulnerable-to-coronavirus-chief-justice-urges/31788560#.
15
Memorandum from Chief Justice Beatty, Sup. Ct of S.C to Magistrates, Mun. Judges, and Summary Ct. Staff (March 16, 2020),
https://www.sccourts.org/whatsnew/displayWhatsNew.cfm?indexId=2461.
16
Ryan Autullo, Travis County Judges Releasing Inmates to Limit Coronavirus Spread, Statesman (Mar. 16, 2020),
https://www.statesman.com/news/20200316/travis-county-judges-releasing-inmates-to-limit-coronavirus-
spread?fbclid=IwAR3VKawwn3bwSLSO9jXBxXNRuaWd1DRLsCBFc-ZkPN1INWW8xnzLPvZYNO4.
17
Order, Administrative Order for Court Operations During Pandemic (Utah Mar. 21, 2020),
https://www.utcourts.gov/alerts/docs/20200320%20-%20Pandemic%20Administrative%20Order.pdf.
18
Am. Order, In the Matter of Statewide Response by Washington State Courts to the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency, No. 25700-
B-607 (Wash. Mar. 20, 2020),
9
http://www.courts.wa.gov/content/publicUpload/Supreme%20Court%20Orders/Supreme%20Court%20Emergency%20Order%20re%
20CV19%20031820.pdf.
19
Order Adopting Temporary Plan to Address Health Risks Posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic, In the Matter of the Wyoming
Supreme Court’s Temporary Plan Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic (Wyo. Mar. 18, 2020), http://www.courts.state.wy.us/wp-
content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Order.pdf.
20
Minute Order, United States v. Michaels, 8:16-cr-76-JVS, (C.D. Cal. Mar. 26, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BeWih63M7FKreKEvLJyIQevYSivGA_PU/view.
21
Edmund H. Mahony, Courts Ponder the Release of Low Risk Inmates in an Effort to Block the Spread of COVID-19 to the Prison
System, Hartford Currant (Mar. 24, 2020), https://www.courant.com/coronavirus/hc-news-covid-inmate-releases-20200323-20200324-
oreyf4kbdfbe3adv6u6ajsj57u-story.html.
22
Order, United States v. Jepsen, No. 3:19-cv-00073 (VLB) (D. Conn. Apr. 2, 2020).
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QMiStlQofKz3pmMlahAJLlVN2skqZWap
23
Minute Order, United States v. Jaffee, No. 19-cr-88 (RDM) (D.D.C. Mar. 26, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AYfIU6QKCOEIpX5Vh3Af6BDqO8goZ5WE/view.
24
United States v. Harris, No. 19-cr-356 (RDM) (D.D.C. Mar. 26, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aO3BNOKB8ukL20A76Mu7Fn0GyCng0Ras/view.
25
United States v. Barkma, No. 19-cr-0052 (RCJ-WGC), 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 45628, at *3 (D. Nev. Mar. 17, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o35MokiprkmhzCUUieg_Eua6e05v4zOw/view.
26
United States v. Copeland, No. 2:05-cr-135-DCN, at 7 (D.S.C. Mar. 24, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tyA8Kjvld23QTLoWo7xbAdqLEOCCVC4q/view.
27
United States v. Garlock, No. 18-CR-00418-VC-1, 2020 WL 1439980, at *1 (N.D. Cal. Mar. 25, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H47EQMXtQZkXFv_GXSffAV6Xkse3-kpl/view.
28
In The Matter Of The Extradition Of Alejandro Toledo Manrique, No. 19-mj-71055-MAG, 2020 WL 1307109, at *1 (N.D. Cal.
Mar. 19, 2020), https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AfU1ft4Lcm60QbPhjgo9HgGAHkbPKPzD/view.
29
AM. Order, United States v. Perez, 19-cr-297 (PAE), at 1 (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 19, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17xE8qdGeeTI2d2dWjNDfwmxLc8GxTtfA/view.
30
United States v. Stephens, No. 15-cr-95-AJN, 2020 WL 1295155, at *2-3 (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 19, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hEhz9olCfaKRinDvUOKqjDTcx3-nc4vq/view.
31
Xochihua-Jaimes v. Barr, No. 18-cv-71460 (9th Cir. Mar. 23, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16eh6qMzihmNlSEq0SzmCSQx98OiLn38l/view
32
Castillo v. Barr, No. 20-cv-605 (TJH)(AFM), at 10 (C.D.Cal. Mar. 27, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BeFuU-Lrjj-VVeA6QA2O7zLud7aWIvEN/view.
33
Transcript of Oral Argument, at 3-4, 6, Jimenez v. Wolf, No. 18-10225-MLW (D. Mass. Mar. 26, 2020),
10
https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.195705/gov.uscourts.mad.195705.507.1.pdf.
34
Jovel v. Decker, No. 12-cv-308 (GBD), at 2(S.D.N.Y. Mar. 26, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mrJ9WbCgNGeyWn1cy3xAvo61yJWnaDe8/view.
35
Coronel v. Decker, No. 20-cv-2472 (AJN), at 10 (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 27, 2020), https://legalaidnyc.org/wp-
content/uploads/2020/03/20cv2472-Op.-Order-3.27.20.pdf.
36
Basank v. Decker, No. 20-cv-2518 (AT), at 7, 10 (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 26, 2020),
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FJ7tU9JCskKPh4xkoe4j3YgoQ5y2_y0P/view.
11