Please help me understand my options (COBRA)

Relevant facts:

I voluntarily resigned from my last job and my employment ended on 9/30/22. HR there told me during my exit interview that I should receive COBRA materials in the mail from the plan administrator within 14 days.

I started at my new job on 10/3/22, but the new insurance won’t begin until 1/1/23.

I have not yet received any paperwork in the mail regarding COBRA from my previous employer or their plan administrator.

Questions:

I understand that there is a 60-day period during which I can choose to elect COBRA coverage that begins following the later of: (1) the date of termination ; or (2) the date the employee is given notice of the right of continuation by either his employer or the plan.

Although it would normally begin on the date of termination, does that period now begin whenever I finally receive the materials in the mail? Or does that period begin on my last day of employment, since HR told me during the exit interview to expect the paperwork? Which one of these events is “the date the employee is given notice”?

Is this election period still extended due to Covid? I read that because of the continuing public health emergency, I might actually have a year to decide whether to elect coverage or not. This would be huge for me, as I have insurance that starts in January and would be able to avoid the $1100/month payments until then.

Thank you so much for any advice or information. Any insight is very appreciated!