COVID Previous Business Reopening Guidance Archive

Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Moves Toward Phase 3 Reopening on October 8, 2020

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.

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.
  • Roadmap For Reopening Connecticut Plan
  • Connecticut Small Business Reopening Resource Guide from CT.gov
  • Connecticut Business Reopening and Recovery Center

Amusement Parks:  

• October 8,  2020 Phase 3: Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks, etc.) will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements;

Hotels / Lodging:   

• 07/29/20 Hotels are now permitted to provide non-essential services and amenities (e.g., valets, ice machines).
• June 17 Sector Rules and Certification for Reopen: english / espanol 

Restaurants:   

• October 8,  2020 Phase 3: 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.

Indoor recreation (e.g., bowling, movie theaters, etc.):  

• 7/29/20 New rules for Indoor Recreation and expanded guidance for Outdoor Events.
• June 17 Sector Rules and Certification for Reopen: english / espanol 

Libraries:  

• October 8,  2020 Phase 3: 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.

Museums, zoos, and aquariums:  

• October 8,  2020 Phase 3: Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks, etc.) will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements;

Offices:

• 07/29/20 Changes impacting Offices, Personal Services, Hair Salons & Barbershops, Retail, Libraries, etc:
  • Non-essential businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask. 
  • In the event an employee tests positive for COVID-19, it is recommended the business implement a 24-hour passive decontamination and follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting. 
  • For bathrooms, the posting of signage encouraging reduced capacity and reminding individuals to wash their hands and wear masks is suggested.
• May 20, 2020 Reopening Rules/Guidance (Link)

Outdoor events:  

• October 8,  2020 Phase 3: Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks, etc.) will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements;
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Personal services (e.g., nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc.):  

• October 8,  2020 Phase 3: 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.

Retail & Malls:

• 07/29/20 Changes impacting Offices, Personal Services, Hair Salons & Barbershops, Retail, Libraries, etc:

  • Non-essential businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask. 
  • In the event an employee tests positive for COVID-19, it is recommended the business implement a 24-hour passive decontamination and follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting. 
  • For bathrooms, the posting of signage encouraging reduced capacity and reminding individuals to wash their hands and wear masks is suggested.
• Temporary Expansion of Outdoor Dining and Retail:
  • Temporary Outdoor Retail Business Guidelines (PDF)
  • Executive Order No. 7MM (PDF)
• May 20, 2020 Reopening Rules/Guidance (Link)

Sports and fitness facilities (e.g., gyms, fitness centers, pools, etc.):  

• 7/29/20 New rules for Indoor Recreation and expanded guidance for Outdoor Events.
• June 17 Sector Rules and Certification for Reopen: english / espanol
  Social Clubs to follow all rules applicable to their operation (e.g. Restaurant, Pool)