Connecticut fully reopens most businesses, ages 45+ now eligible for COVID vaccine

GREENWICH, Connecticut (WABC) -- Most restaurants and other businesses are now open at 100% capacity, but with some COVID-19 restrictions still in place.

The capacity limits ended Friday for much of the state, including restaurants, gyms and also houses of worship.

Movie theaters remain at 50% capacity, and even for those venues allowed to operate at 100%, social distancing and masks are still required.

"They take it as, hey, things are opening up, things are getting back to normal, maybe I can go back to the gym now," one gym owner said.

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The Plaza restaurant in Greenwich reopened Friday morning at full capacity, and they can seat 50 people inside.

Governor Ned Lamont has said the state has earned the right to reopen, given the falling positivity rate and quick rollout of the COVID vaccine.

Throughout the pandemic, Connecticut has loosened restrictions quicker than other states in the area -- only to reintroduce them as it did during the holiday surge.

Lamont says he'll do it again if need be, but for now, businesses from barbershops and salons to fitness clubs can reap the benefits.

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Also Friday, any Connecticut resident over the age of 45 is eligible for the vaccine regardless of occupation or preexisting condition.

On April 5, the state will open vaccines up to anyone over the age of 16.

A third of the population has already gotten one shot, including 78% of Connecticut residents over the age of 75.

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