More than 75% of the country are under a “shelter in place” order, including Connecticut. We’re all going a little stir crazy, and many of us are longing for human companionship, but at least here it seems that the medicine is working. Governor Lamont has indicated there are fewer cases than expected and the curve is “flatter” than in other states. It’s important to get out of the house if you can, and go for a walk, sit on the porch, play in the backyard. We’ve been seeing reports at local and state parks are full, so suggest you check the twitter page @CTStateParks before you head out. Once the park has reached full parking lot capacity it remains closed until the following day. Just resist the temptation to be close to others while you’re in the great outdoors – staying 6’ or more away from other people is still critical.

In a previous email, we praised Ned Lamont for his efforts and the speed with which he is implementing really effective orders amidst the pandemic. We mentioned his Executive Order 7T which streamlined obtaining orders of protection for victims of domestic violence. We hope this doesn’t apply to any of our readers, but are cognizant that the risk of harm increases when families are quarantined. Hartford has had a 20% uptake in domestic abuse related 911 calls, resulting in the Hartford Police Department creating a new domestic violence response unit during this difficult time.  Beckett Law has had a long history of partnering with Mothers United Against Violence in sponsoring the annual Hartford Creative Contest for City students. We encourage you to reach out to them or the HPD for help if you need it.

Want some good news? The market continues to fluctuate day to day but seems to be on the rise as the number of new coronavirus cases declines. We’ve asked Eric Bergenn of New England Financial to talk to us about how to protect your assets during a pandemic. Join us for our Webinar Thursday at 6:30 PM EST (click here to join us for this free discussion. Bring your questions).

If you’re worried about paying the bills and your credit score right now, don’t be. There are lots of programs being implemented to help you and Attorney Sarah Poriss will be discussing some of them this afternoon at 3:00 pm. Click here to join us.

Here’s a little something to look forward to. As you may have learned last week, we are Beatles fans and were excited to learn that Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Lady Gaga and other recording artists are performing for the One World Together At Home event to celebrate healthcare workers around the globe and support the U.N. Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. The televised concert, on April 18th at 8 PM EST will air on major American networks and nearly every social media platform.

We know it’s hard to feel positive when the news around us feels so negative. It may be time to turn off the news and focus on more pedestrian pursuits. Join the puzzle challenge. Read a book. Go for a walk. Take a virtual tour of one of the many museums in the area, including the Mark Twain House.

If you have kids, you can try the Childrens’ Museum daily animal videos on Facebook.

Or check out the Connecticut Science Center’s daily Lunch and Learn, or Lunch Bunch animal demonstrations on Facebook.

As a reminder, this office is continuing to offer FREE Medical Powers of Attorney and Financial Powers of Attorney to anyone in the healthcare field. Call us today 860-236-1111.

Beckett Law LLC, and its subsidiary firms CT Bankruptcy and Estate Planning Law Center will continue to stay abreast of all news, announcements, and policies that have developed as a result of this pandemic. We value your business and the relationship we have built with you over the years. We urge you to heed the CDC’s guidance about hand-washing and physical distancing and we are confident that we will be able to meet face-to-face and shake hands again soon.

Stay safe!