Dramatic Clouds after Drenching Rain
As drenching rains moved in and out of the area today, the golden colors of the setting sun gave a dramatic show of clouds over the Long Island Sound this evening - a hopeful signal that Henri has made his final pass.
Governor, Public Health Commissioner Release Statement on Pfizer Vaccine Approval: “we are in a far different place now than we were a year ago thanks to this extraordinary tool.”
Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford today released the following statements in response to the full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
Governor Lamont said, “This is an important moment for our fight against the coronavirus as schools are set to return and more companies are looking to see the safe return to work. It is my hope that this approval leads even more people to receive their safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine at any one of the hundreds of available sites across our state through both appointments and walk-ins. I am also proud that Pfizer has a significant operation here in Connecticut, which contributed to the development of this vaccine.”
Commissioner Gifford said, “The Connecticut Department of Public Health applauds the FDA approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This should further reassure those who decided to wait for the full FDA approval before being vaccinated. While we have seen an increase of COVID cases across the country due to the Delta variant, we are in a far different place now than we were a year ago thanks to this extraordinary tool. And it is easily accessible throughout Connecticut at pharmacies, health care providers, hospitals and federally qualified health centers. With this vaccine, COVID-19 is even closer to being a preventable disease. This virus affects people of all races, ages, and economic status, and the vaccine is by far the safest and most effective strategy we have to put this pandemic behind us once and for all. Many Connecticut residents have well-founded reasons for questioning public health authorities. There have been too many times in the past when the medical system fell short. Despite those shortcomings, for the health and safety of all our communities, we are appealing to you now to trust the science, talk to your family and friends, and please get vaccinated.”
Tire Damage from the Merritt? Here’s How to File a Claim for Repairs
Dozens of motorists on the Merritt Parkway found themselves with flat tires during the morning commute as paving continues on Route 15. The State Department of Transportation, who has jurisdiction over the parkway, has an option for drivers who are looking for reimbursement: file a claim through their Claims Unit.
The process, which can only be done through the mail within 90 days of the damage taking place, will allow the State to investigate and reimburse or deny drivers for the repair costs association with any damage caused by the defective roadway. Connecticut statutes and guidelines describe the Commissioner of Transportation’s duty to keep roadways in safe conditions for travellers, and if they aren’t, to repair them in a reasonable time while warning motorists of the known dangers.
This morning’s pothole headaches may be left in a gray area due to the area being under known construction - with limited liability guidelines typically stated on highway signs or advisory boards ahead of construction areas. Seeking advice from legal counsel, or by speaking with your insurance company, will provide better explanations of liability and coverage in these specific instances.
Claims should include at least the following information:
Name, Address, and Phone Number
Precise location on the roadway where the damage took place
Accurate time of when the damage took place
Description/photo of the damage to your vehicle
Costs associated with the damages and repairs
Include any quotes, assessments, or other pertinent information that will prove damage
Description of the roadway at the time of the damage, and description or photo of the roadway or equipment that caused the damage
Claims must be mailed to:
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Attn: Claims Unit
P.O. Box 317546
Newington, CT 06131-7546
Additionally, the CT DoT Claims Unit can be reach at:
More information can be found at the Connecticut Department of Transportation website.