Report by Paula Antolini, September 24, 2020, 6:37PM EDT
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced details for his plans to move Connecticut into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The plan, which is targeted to take effect on Thursday, October 8, 2020, will ease some of the restrictions that were put into place on businesses and gatherings, while ensuring that the state continues taking a safe approach to limit spread of the virus.
“The reason why we are able to have a discussion about even entering into Phase 3 is because of Connecticut residents’ collective actions to fight the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Lamont said. “By taking the sector rules seriously, wearing masks, physically distancing, and washing your hands regularly, I believe that we can continue to keep these rates low while also easing some of the restrictions that were enacted earlier this year. I applaud the residents of our state for what they’ve been doing, and urge them to keep it up.”
Business changes in Phase 3 will include:
- Increase from 50 percent to 75 percent capacity indoors – subject to COVID-19 safety requirements – for restaurants, personal services, hair salons, barber shops, and libraries;
- Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks, etc.) will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements;
- Indoor performing arts venues will be able to open at 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements; and
- Bars and nightclubs will continue to remain closed.
In addition, Phase 3 also includes the following changes to the sizes of gatherings:
| Indoor | Outdoor | |||
| Phase 3 | Current | Phase 3 | Current | |
| Private – Social and Recreational | Occurs at commercial establishment / places of business: 50% capacity, capped at 100 peopleOccurs at private residence: 25 people | Capped at 25 people | Capped at 150 people | Capped at 100 people |
| Graduations | 50% capacity, capped at 200Masks and social distancing | Not allowed | 50% capacity of 6-foot spacing, no cap. Masks and social distancing | One-time exemption capped at 150Masks and distancing |
| Religious | 50% capacity, capped at 200Masks and social distancing | 25% capacity, capped at 100 people | 50% capacity and 6-foot spacing, no cap. Masks and social distancing | Capped at 150 people |
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