COVID-19 – Latest Updates

May 19, 2021

Governor Lamont Announces Updated Mask Protocols in Connecticut Beginning May 19

Posted on May 17, 2021

   
   

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that a new set of COVID-19 safety protocols regarding the use of face masks will be implemented in Connecticut beginning Wednesday, May 19, 2021, as a result of the updated recommendations released late last week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new order will include:

Outdoors

  • Masks not required

Indoors

  • Vaccinated not required to wear masks
  • Unvaccinated must continue to wear masks
  • Businesses, state and local government offices and events may choose to require universal masking
  • Masks will still be required in certain settings such as healthcare facilities, facilities housing vulnerable populations, public and private transit, correctional facilities, schools, and childcare

In addition to the revised order, the Connecticut Department of Public Health on May 19 will issue revised recommendations and considerations for masks in businesses, large gatherings and events, and other settings, as well as more detailed descriptions of the settings where masks will continue to be required.

As was previously announced, all of the other COVID-19 sector rules for businesses that had been implemented in Connecticut will also be lifted on May 19.

“Connecticut is one of the most vaccinated states in the nation, and I couldn’t be more proud of the people of our state who have made the commonsense decision to be vaccinated, as well as all of our healthcare workers who have done an incredible job rolling the vaccine out as quickly as possible,” Governor Lamont said. “If you have not yet been vaccinated, I strongly recommend that you get vaccinated as soon as possible. Dozens of clinics across Connecticut no longer require appointments to receive a vaccination, and it has never been easier to get one.”

Individuals with questions about the COVID-19 vaccination program or who would like to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine can visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.

A list of walk-up clinics that do not require appointments in advance can be found atct.gov/covidvaccine/walkup.

Those who have further questions or do not have access to the internet can call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224.

COVID-19 – Latest Updates

March 25, 2021

For all the latest information and updates on vaccine eligibility, please visit our Vaccine Eligibility page.

Are you currently eligible? Schedule your vaccine appointment now.

Are you registered in the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS)? Log in here.

—–

Sector rules in effect throughout Connecticut: As Connecticut continues taking steps to protect residents from the spread of COVID-19, the state has established specific rules for various sectors to keep people safe. Here are all of the rules currently in effect that apply for each sector.

Keep Connecticut Safe: Did you visit a business that might be violating a COVID-19 safety requirement? Let us know here.
Masks and Face Coverings: Pursuant to Executive Order No. 7NNN, masks or cloth face coverings that cover a person’s nose and mouth are required to be worn when in public and a six-foot distance is unavoidable, whether indoors or outdoors. This does not apply to anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to their health because of a medical condition. Guidance on face coverings has been issued to the state’s businesses. To make a face covering at home, watch this video from the CDC. 

Travel Advisory: Connecticut residents and travelers to Connecticut should follow travel-related guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH). Mandates and requirements are not currently in place in Connecticut. Click here for detailed information on traveling.
What’s Open in CT
Sector Status Notes
Amusement parks Open Must follow sector rules
Bars Closed  
Beaches (state) Open Must follow safety guidelines
Beaches (town) Open Check with individual town or review this list from DEEP
Bowling alleys Open Must follow sector rules
Construction Open Must follow safe workplace rules
DMV Partially Open

– All deadlines for IDs and other credentials extended 180 days [info]
– In-person services require an appointment
– Select services can be completed online
Gyms and Fitness Studios Open Must follow sector rules
Hair Salons and Barbershops Open Must follow sector rules
Hotels Open Must follow sector rules
Libraries Open Must follow sector rules
Nail salons Open Must follow sector rules
Manufacturing Open Must follow safe workplace rules
Museums and zoos Open Must follow sector rules
Offices Open Must follow sector rules
Retail Open Must follow sector rules
Restaurants Open Must follow sector rules
School (PreK-12, summer) Open Must follow summer school rules
State Campgrounds Open All campers must make reservations in advance
State Parks Open Must follow safety guidelines
Summer camps Open Must follow sector rules
Spas Open Must follow sector rules
Tattoo Parlors Open Must follow sector rules
Theaters Open Must follow sector rules

 

COVID-19 – NEWS FOR CT BUSINESSES

Governor Lamont’s Phase 3 of Connecticut’s Reopen Plan to begin on Thursday, October 8, 2020

Phase 3 of Connecticut’s Reopen Plan will begin on Thursday, October 8, 2020. 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;
  • Bars and nightclubs will continue to remain closed.

Gathering changes in Phase 3 will include: 

 

Indoor                                                                                  Outdoor
 

Phase 3

Phase 3

Private – Social and Recreational

Occurs at commercial establishment / places of business: 50% capacity, capped at 100 people

Occurs at private residence: 25 people

Capped at 150 people

Graduations

50% capacity, capped at 200

Masks and social distancing

50% capacity of 6-foot spacing, no cap. Masks and social distancing

Religious

50% capacity, capped at 200

Masks and social distancing

50% capacity and 6-foot spacing, no cap. Masks and social distancing

For more information, please visit this link: Phase 3 Reopening Plan 

 

Invitation to Participate – State of Connecticut Business Survey
A business survey, issued in partnership by AdvanceCT, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the CBIA is now open online. The goal is to provide feedback to the state and policymakers regarding how Connecticut businesses are responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Please take the time to complete this short, (12-question) survey and share it with other Connecticut businesses. The more responses, the more meaningful the data.  The survey will remain open in the days ahead, allowing the State to track progress and hear the business community’s feedback on the crisis over a period of time.  The results of the survey will be made public.  The survey will help the State modulate its response, track business sentiment towards the crisis, and prioritize initiatives.

Here is the link to the business survey:

https://www.research.net/r/COVID19BizSurvey

 

The Department of Economic and Community Development had a conference call Thursday, March 19th, open to all businesses, chambers of commerce, stakeholders and other in-state partners. On this call, Governor Ned Lamont and DECD Commissioner David Lehman shared how the state is responding to the economic dimensions of this crisis. 

Below, you will find a link below to a business survey that we have put together in partnership with DECD and CBIA.  Our goal is to provide feedback to the state and policymakers regarding how Connecticut businesses are responding to the COVID-19 crisis.  By having a “finger on the pulse”, the state can modulate its response, track business sentiment towards the crisis and prioritize initiatives.

COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

I urge you to take the time to complete this short, (12-question) survey and share it with other Connecticut businesses. The more responses we have, the more meaningful the data.  We will leave the survey open so that we can track progress and hear the business community’s feedback on the crisis over a period of time.  The results of the survey will be made public.

We strongly encourage you to participate in both the conference call and the survey.

 

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT BUSINESSES APPROVED TO RECEIVE DISASTER ASSISTANCE DUE TO COVID-19

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut that have been negatively impacted by the global COVID-19 outbreak are now eligible for disaster relief loans of up to $2 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

On Sunday, the governor submitted a request to the federal agency for expedited approval of the disaster relief to immediately provide aid to businesses in Connecticut. Over the past several days, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has been working diligently to survey companies statewide to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the small business community and the local economy.

“Small businesses and nonprofits of all types are experiencing large, sudden drops in revenue while trying to do the right thing and give employees the flexibility they need to take care of themselves and their families,” Governor Lamont said. “One of our priorities is to help them as much we can. SBA disaster relief loans are an important tool that can help Connecticut businesses.”

“The availability of SBA loans is another key piece of a broader set of relief measures the Lamont administration continues to put into place for individuals and our business community,” DECD Commissioner David Lehman said. “Their ability to successfully navigate this health crisis is of vital importance to our economy in the short and long-term. The DECD team will remain proactive and continue to assess the impact of this pandemic and assist small businesses navigate this unprecedented economic climate.”

Small businesses can learn more about the program and apply for financial assistance at www.sba.gov/disaster or call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955.

Small businesses with questions about this SBA loan program or other assistance provided at the state-level can call 860-500-2333 to speak directly with a DECD representative. Businesses can also stay informed on news and guidance related to COVID-19 and its impact on Connecticut by visiting the state’s dedicated coronavirus website at ct.gov/coronavirus.

 

For the community

For employees/workers who lose their jobs, they should immediately file for unemployment benefits—see the CT DOL website at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/ .

For consumers, to avoid being scammed, here are some resources:

For the State of Connecticut’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security, see this web page of instructions:

For State of Connecticut emergency laws—all of Governor Lamont’s executive orders are here—to safeguard individuals, families, and businesses: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/Governors-Actions/Executive-Orders/Governor-Lamonts-Executive-Orders (all press releases at https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases)