COVID-19

Ian Harrington – Agencia de Acción Comunitaria Access – Vacunarse

Ian Harrington de Access Community Action Agency en Windham explica por qué recibió la vacuna contra el COVID-19. La financiación de este proyecto fue posible gracias a Extension Foundation, USDA-NIFA, los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades y UConn Extension. Watch the video in English at https://youtu.be/2UC8a9C0Bs0.

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources – #AskUConnExtension

For this week’s #AskUConnExtension Showcase, let’s do our part in keeping our community safe—get vaccinated today. Text: From UConn Extension, let’s all do our part to protect those we care about most. Visit the resources below to learn more about vaccine safety in our community: wecandothis.hhs.gov/ pages.extension.org/excite cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19

USDA Announces Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Livestock Producers

USDA to Provide Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers for Animal Losses Farm Service Agency Will Begin Taking Applications for indemnity program July 20th Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing can apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals. The […]

UConn Extension is Strengthening Immunization Excitement Through USDA-NIFA, CDC Grant Funding

UConn Extension received funding to strengthen immunization excitement in Connecticut through a grant funded project by USDA-NIFA, the Extension Foundation, and the CDC. The UConn project focuses on residents in Windham, Middletown, East Hartford, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and Groton. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided $9.95 million in funding to the […]

Connecticut Residents Urged to Pick Up the Phone! for Largest-Ever Town-Level Survey on Quality of Life and Recovery from COVID-19

Connecticut Residents Urged to “Pick Up the Phone!” for Largest-Ever Town-Level Survey on Quality of Life and Recovery from COVID-19: Over 75 Leading Foundations, Hospitals, and Local Agencies Join DataHaven Initiative Over 10,000 randomly-selected Connecticut residents will participate in the 2021 Community Wellbeing Survey’s live, in-depth interviews, the fifth such survey that DataHaven has fielded […]

Pick-Your-Own Revisited

Last year we held a virtual discussion on how to deal with Pick-your-own in the age of COVID. This year we will revisit this topic with several growers sharing what they did that worked, maybe didn’t work as well as expected or at all, will keep this year, or will drop because it may not […]

Amid pandemic challenges, recreational shellfishing thrived

By Judy Benson While the pandemic curtailed many favorite activities, recreational shellfishing remained popular and even surged in many shoreline towns last year. “Clamming is a very COVID-friendly activity,” said Peter Harris, chairman of the Waterford-East Lyme Shellfish Commission. “You’re outside, you have a nice long rake so you stay socially distanced, and you get […]

Farm Flavor Magazine Features Extension Programs

In the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, farmers urgently needed access to the newest information on government compliance, health protocols, federal aid and more. UConn Extension put together its own website for COVID-19-related information for both farmers and consumers on production, distribution and processing. UConn Extension also responded by organizing an initiative that enlisted […]

Hurricanes and COVID – 19

Preparing for the 2020 hurricane season or severe storms during the COVID – 19 pandemic requires more planning than usual.  First, make a “go kit” – a bag you can grab and go should you need to evacuate!  Pack a kit for each household member and pet with a 2-week supply of emergency food, water, […]

COVID-19 Resources: Hand washing & Activity Risk Chart

Are You Keeping Your Hands Clean? Keeping your hands clean is a good way to keep germs away. Make sure you are washing your hands effectively and are scrubbing every part! California.gov has published a graphic that details parts of our hands we often miss when handwashing. To view click here. Estas Manteniendo Tus Manos Limpias? Manteniendo sus […]

Silvopasturing at UMass – Tri-State SARE Virtual Field Workshop

Join us for a tour of the silvopasture work at the UMass Agricultural Learning Center in Amherst, MA. With Nikki Burton of UMass Extension, we will have an online tour of their silvopasture, which includes sheep within a chestnut grove, and follow that with questions and discussion. The workshop will be Tuesday, August 18th from […]

COVID-19 & Social Capital Resources

Updated COVID-19 Resources from CDC: CDC has a new Toolkit for Young Adults: 15 to 21 that includes easy to read FAQ’s, fact sheets, infographics, PSA’s, social media messages, and videos. The webpage contains a Coronavirus Self-Checker with questions to help individuals determine if they need to seek medical care. Compiled mental health resources are also published on […]

CDC COVID-19 Resources for Families

Are you having trouble deciding whether you want your child to do virtual or in-person learning this coming school year? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a School Decision-Making tool for Parents, Caregivers and Guardians to help you with your decision. This tool will help you weigh the risk and benefits of […]

COVID-19 Trail Impact Report: April-May 2020

CONNECTICUT TRAIL CENSUS RELEASES  COVID-19 TRAIL IMPACT REPORT FOR APRIL-MAY 2020  We are pleased to release the latest data on how several of the state’s most popular multi-use trails are being impacted by COVID-19. The new report documents trail use during April-May 2020 at 12 sites on multi-use trails in Connecticut, and compares use with […]

Survey Impacts of COVID-19 on Agricultural Producers

Agricultural Producers: You are invited to participate in a research study. UConn Extension has many educational programs for agricultural producers. You may or may not have participated in these in the past. We are surveying agricultural producers to determine the impacts of COVID-19 on your agricultural business and what educational programs you need from UConn Extension and our partners because of COVID-19. […]

Mental Health Resources / Recursos Para Su Salud Conductual

The COVID-19 virus has struck the nation unexpectedly. We recognize that taking care of your behavioral health during a pandemic can be a challenge. Worrying about your health and the health of your loved ones can cause extreme stress, fear, and anxiety. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has provided many Mental Health […]

What to Know Before You Go: Visiting a Farm During COVID

Facemasks and social distancing have become the norm in all parts of our lives. Farm stands, community supported agriculture (CSA) operations; farmers’ markets and pick-your-own operations have remained open despite the pandemic. However, the operations have changed to adhere to regulations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Before you visit the farm […]

Project Expands Support for CT Shellfish Industry

Connecticut shellfish farmers who endured severe sales losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic are being offered the chance to earn income by working on a unique project to rehabilitate the state’s natural shellfish beds. The project, developed by Connecticut Sea Grant and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, will employ shellfish farmers with vessels normally used […]

Seafood survey could help further increase in demand

With national data showing Americans have been eating more fish and shellfish during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report on a survey of Connecticut residents’ seafood consumption habits and preferences offers timely information seafood dealers can use to help make the increase permanent. The final report on the Connecticut Seafood Survey, a project to better understand […]

Communities Feed Kids

There are amazing stories from across Connecticut about the efforts being made to feed our communities. Responding to COVID-19 requires generosity and ingenuity. We recognize, more than ever, it is clear the roles schools play and the necessity of school meal programs to connect and serve healthy and local food with our communities. Put local […]

Recommended Cleaning Agents to Kill Coronavirus in your Home

Your kitchen cabinet may be stocked with adequate cleaning supplies to kill Coronaviruses, but you need to be careful as not all chemicals will work. Each disinfecting chemical product has its own specific instructions. An important rule is that you should not immediately wipe a cleaning solution off as soon as you have sprayed it […]

SBA Relief Program Q&A for Farmers

UConn Extension hosted a Q&A session with the Small Business Association (SBA) on relief programs available. You can view the powerpoint presentation slides and video of the full presentation. Interim Final Rule: Additional Criterion for Seasonal Employers (Updated 4/28/20) Paycheck Protection Program Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 4/28/20) This powerpoint from SBA does not include updated […]

Litchfield County 4-H Helps Distribute Dairy to Families in Need

Litchfield County 4-H to Help Distribute Yogurt and Sour Cream to Families in Need Background Facts: Because 30% of the fluid milk gets sold to restaurants, schools and institutions that are now closed, there is a huge surplus of fluid milk on the market now that cannot be further processed into more shelf stable products […]

CT Trail Census Releases COVID-19 Trail Impact Report

UConn Extension is pleased to release the latest data on how several of the state’s most popular multi-use trails are being impacted by COVID-19. The new report documents trail use during March 2020 at 13 sites on multi-use trails in Connecticut, and compares use with the same period in 2019, as one indication of the […]

CDC Resources for COVID-19

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is the best source of information on health-related information related to COVID-19. Here are a few of their recent posts that you might be interested in: Running Essential Errands Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2020 (NEW) Cloth […]

Economic Assistance Programs for Agriculture & Businesses

Economic Assistance Programs Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Applications can be submitted starting today. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as […]

New Guidance on Essential Employee Safety

New Guidance from State on Essential Employee Safety Just released guidance from State of Connecticut on health recommendations for essential employees. In addition to already widely available social distancing and sanitary recommendations, highlights are as follows: Control and monitor external visitors on work site Discourage carpooling Increase physical space between employees and customers (drive throughs, […]

Social Distancing on Trails

Recommendations for Social Distancing on Trails Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc. Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other […]

COVID-19 and Pets

A message from CDC: There is no reason at this time to think that any animals, including pets, in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United […]

Wethersfield Continues to Offer UConn PEP Program

Around the state, organizations have found a way to continue UConn Extension’s Parent Leadership Training, part of our People Empowering People (UConn PEP) program.  With technology, determination and creativity PEP facilitators are keeping their parent leaders connected and informed during this difficult time by offering the UConn PEP program via Zoom. One such program is […]

Guidance for Equine Businesses

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Guidance for Horseback Riding Schools and Stables / Boarding Stables Source: Connecticut Department of Agriculture HARTFORD, CT – In addition to implementing the Stay Home, Stay Safe protocols effective on March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. through April 22, 2020; Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7H required the Department of Economic and Community Development […]

Agriculture Producer Survey Request

Agricultural Producers: Please take this five minute survey on the impacts of COVID-19 on your business. The Governor of Connecticut issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order except for essential businesses on March 23, 2020. The Commissioner of Agriculture clarified, per Executive Order 7H, that agriculture businesses are considered “essential businesses”. This anonymous survey will […]

Food Safety and COVID-19

March 26, 2020 Update The following information has been compiled for the general public and for those who come under essential businesses in Connecticut. FDA resources: FDA has recently stated that food supply is safe among COVID-19 and there are no current disruptions in the supply chain. Consumers should be confident in the safety of their food. […]

Tips for Parents and Caregivers of Children: Children and COVID-19

Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out Children are not at higher risk Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more […]

Children Home From School: Advice for Parents

Children and their friends Limit Social Interactions: The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to limit social interactions as much as possible. Parents should minimize play dates, and if held, parents should keep the groups small. Advise older children to hang out in a small group and to meet up outside rather than inside. […]

COVID-19: Nationwide Child Nutrition Waivers

COVID-19: Nationwide Child Nutrition Waivers The Families First Coronavirus Response Act gives the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the authority to issue nationwide waivers to ensure access to meals through the child nutrition programs as communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and to issue waivers to increase cost. In order for a state to use a nationwide […]