Report by Paula Antolini, May 9, 2020, 7:59PM EDT
Documents Describe Detailed Protocols Necessary for Certain Businesses to Operate Beginning May 20
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration has released documents detailing specific rules that eligible businesses falling under phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening plans must follow amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase – which includes restaurants; offices; hair salons and barbershops; retail stores; and outdoor museums and zoos – is currently planned to take effect beginning May 20. These businesses will still need to follow the COVID-19 guidelines by wearing masks, having social distancing floor stickers and thoroughly cleaning their business space if there are any reports of a COVID case having been to their business.
The governor stressed that the decision to reopen during this phase rests with each individual business owner – they are not required to open if they do not choose, however if they do they must follow the rules as prescribed. The protocols were developed by Governor Lamont, members of his office, and the Department of Economic and Community Development, in consultation with legislators and recommendations made by the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group, which consists of several of the state’s leading medical experts and representatives of several business and industry groups.
Documents containing the rules for the first phase of reopening have been published on the state’s coronavirus website – ct.gov/coronavirus – and are available to download directly at these links:
—Museums and Zoos (Outdoor Only)
—Restaurants (Outdoor Only)
All businesses subject to these rules will be required to self-certify prior to opening on May 20. The certification system will be online beginning next week.
Task force formed to provide support to small businesses on these regulations
In tandem with the release of this guidance, DECD Commissioner David Lehman announced that his office is launching an ad hoc task force that will provide support to small businesses on how to implement these new regulations.
Commissioner Lehman said, “We are grateful to these organizations who represent the voices of our communities and our small businesses for agreeing to work with DECD and AdvanceCT in a team effort to provide the best possible guidance and support to our small businesses. We share the goal of helping businesses across the state to reopen as quickly as possible, while adopting these new and necessary measures to keep our communities safe.”
The Reopen Connecticut Small Business Implementation Task Force will be chaired by Lyle Wray of the Capitol Region Council of Governments. Other members will include:
- Cindy Bombard, Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce
- Joe Brennan, Connecticut Business and Industry Association
- Nancy Cowser, seCTer
- Joe Ercolano, Small Business Development Center
- Cathy Graves, New Haven Small Business Academy
- David Griggs, MetroHartford Alliance
- Kim Hawkins, HEDCO
- Larry McHugh, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce
- Patrick McMahon, CT Main Street
- Julio Mendoza, Spanish American Merchant Association
- Dan Onofrio, Bridgeport Regional Business Council
- Fran Pastore, Women’s Business Development Council
- Garrett Sheehan, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
- Tony Sheridan, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
- Lynn Ward, Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce
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