Ned Lamont

GOVERNOR

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

March 10, 2020

The Honorable Denise Merrill Secretary of the State

State Capitol Hartford, CT 06106

Frederick J. Jortner

Clerk of the State House of Representatives State Capitol

Hartford, CT 06016

Michael Jefferson

Clerk of the State Senate State Capitol

Hartford, CT 06016

RE: Declaration of Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergencies

Dear Secretary Merrill and Clerks of the General Assembly:

In response to the global pandemic of COVID 19 disease associated with a novel coronavirus that is currently affecting multiple countries and states and has resulted in the spread of infections in Connecticut and surrounding states, as well as resulting shortages of personal protective equipment and other supplies that could jeopardize public safety and civil preparedness, and in order to provide me and other appropriate officials with all authorities necessary to limit the spread of the COVID 19 coronavirus and protect public safety within the State of Connecticut, I hereby declare a public health emergency and civil preparedness emergency throughout the State, pursuant to Sections 19a-13 la and 28-9 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Such public health emergency and civil preparedness emergency shall remain in effect through September 9^th_, 2020, unless terminated earlier by me.

Specifically, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section l 9a-131a (f), I hereby authorize and direct the Commissioner of Public Health to delegate the powers regarding isolation or quarantine to municipal and district directors of public health. Municipalities, local
health officials, and local education officials are directed to follow previously issued guidance and apply relevant principles of risk management to decisions about whether to cancel, modify, or postpone large gatherings, public events, or travel.