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Gov. Ned Lamont released detailed phase 2 pandemic lockdown reopening guidelines for Connecticut businesses on Sunday, stressing social distancing, limited capacity, face mask requirements and sanitation, days after moving up the start of phase two.
The state had 16 new coronavirus deaths, bringing the total to 4,071, and 150 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 43,968, Lamont’s office reported.
Prior to the June 17 reopening, businesses must prepare a detailed plan and employee training program and appoint staff to enforce rules. Restaurants, gyms, theaters, libraries and bowling alleys will have a maximum capacity of 50 percent of normal. Patrons at outdoor events will have to wear masks but performers won’t need them as long as they’re at least 12 feet from anyone.
Beginning today, businesses and nonprofits planning to reopen during Phase 2 on June 17 will need to visit Connecticut’s self-certification website to certify that they are compliant with the reopening rules for their sector.
Lamont announced Friday he is moving up the second phase of reopening many businesses and activities by three days so the changes don’t conflict with Father’s Day weekend.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the Democrat said Phase 2 will now happen on June 17, instead of June 20. That’s when movie theaters, tattoo parlors, spas, gyms, fitness studios, bowling alleys and amusement parks and nail salons will be allowed to open again and restaurants can resume indoor dining.
In addition, hotels will be able to reopen with a thorough cleaning plan, a named cleaning administrator and a range of other regulations. People over 65 will still be encouraged to stay home.
Libraries and some youth sports programs will also be allowed to reopen. Bars, however, will not.
“Our public health professionals are continuing to monitor test results for possible links to large demonstrations, but as long as COVID hospitalizations and infection rates remain low, we will be in a very good position for a June 17 Phase 2,” Lamont tweeted.
The Connecticut Restaurant Association this week urged Lamont to allow restaurants to restart indoor dining on June 10, warning the industry is facing serous financial challenges because of the shutdown. Currently, only outdoor dining and takeout is allowed. Indoor service has been closed for more than 80 days.
While he’d prefer the earlier date, Scott Dolch, the association’s executive director, said the June 17 date “will thankfully put us ahead of neighboring Massachusetts and New York in this regard. Given that Connecticut restaurants make up ten percent of our state economy, it’s critical that we not fall behind regionally and every day counts.”
On Thursday, Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe said the state is “targeting” June 20 to possibly allow up to 50-person outdoor events, such as weddings, with larger events to follow, possibly a month later. It’s unclear whether Lamont’s revamped executive order will affect those outdoor events.
