Reopen Connecticut: Nail salons, movie theaters back in business as CT enters Phase 2

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

CT Phase 2: Nail salons, movie theaters back in business

Joe Torres has more on the first day of Phase 2 in Connecticut.

CONNECTICUT (WABC) -- Connecticut entered Phase 2 of reopening Wednesday, meaning many new types of businesses -- including movie theaters, nail salons and gyms -- are once again opening their doors.

Indoor dining is also allowed, with capacity restrictions at 50% and a ban on self-service buffet stations. There are also dining tables six feet apart, and cleaning and disinfecting will happen before, during, and after your meal.

"We have this particular ultraviolet machine, I bought it last month," said Pietro Polini, of Terra Sole Restaurant. "Every night when we are leaving the restaurant, we turn on this ultraviolet machine. It is supposed to kill 99% of the bacteria."

After eating all that food, though, you may want to hit the gym. But you'll need to wear a mask during that fitness, yoga or spin class, and expect to wait outside before the start of your nail salon or spa appointment.

"I'm not used to really getting them done, so this was kind of nice to get and go do something for myself," said Redding resident Jennifer Whiteley, while getting a mani/pedi.

As for movie theaters, expect to see more than just a film.

"You are going to see glass barriers at all the terminals," said Ryan Wenke, of Prospector Theater. "You're going to see decals on the floor reminding you to stay six feet apart. You're going to be seated away from other parties in front of you and behind you."

And that means only 50% capacity at the theater.

Luciana Ryan owns a body waxing business in Ridgefield, and after three months of no business, she is now booked solid until the end of July.

"A lot hairy people," she said. "They're very excited to come in. I cannot wait to see them."

Phase 2 includes the following sectors:

--Amusement parks

--Hotels

--Indoor dining

--Indoor museums, zoos, and aquariums

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

--Libraries

--Outdoor events

--Personal services (nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc.)

--Sports and fitness facilities (gyms, fitness centers, pools, etc.)

Governor Ned Lamont says that indoor private gatherings can take place with as many as 25 people, and outdoor gatherings can increase to 100 people.

"When it comes to social gatherings, you're more likely to be interfacing with people closer, drinking, less likely to wear a mask," Lamont said. "That's on the negative side. On the positive, they tend to be invitation only, or you know everybody who's going to be there. So if there was a flare-up, if someone was found to be infected, tracking and tracing is a lot easier to manage."

Despite the reopening, masks are still recommended - and many businesses require them, along with temperature checks.

The state moved up the previous date for Phase 2 by three days so it would not conflict with Father's Day. The date for Phase 3 has not yet been set, but it is expected in early July.

CLICK HERE for more on Connecticut's reopening plan.