coronavirus connecticut

Reopen Connecticut: Phase 2 of reopening moved up by 3 days

Friday, June 5, 2020

CT Governor Ned Lamont moves up Phase 2 of reopening by 3 days

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday he is moving up the second phase of reopening many businesses and activities by three days so the changes don't conflict with Father's

CONNECTICUT -- Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday he is moving up the second phase of reopening many businesses and activities by three days so the changes don't conflict with Father's Day weekend.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the Democrat said Phase 2 will now happen on June 17, instead of June 20. That's when movie theaters, tattoo parlors, spas, gyms, fitness studios, bowling alleys and amusement parks and nail salons will be allowed to open again and restaurants can resume indoor dining.

Libraries and some youth sports programs will also be allowed to reopen. Bars, however, will not.

"Our public health professionals are continuing to monitor test results for possible links to large demonstrations, but as long as COVID hospitalizations and infection rates remain low, we will be in a very good position for a June 17 Phase 2," Lamont tweeted.

The Connecticut Restaurant Association this week urged Lamont to allow restaurants to restart indoor dining on June 10, warning the industry is facing serous financial challenges because of the shutdown. Currently, only outdoor dining and takeout is allowed.

On Thursday, Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe said the state is "targeting" June 20 to possibly allow up to 50-person outdoor events, such as weddings, with larger events to follow, possibly a month later. It's unclear whether Lamont's revamped executive order will affect those outdoor events.

Lamont said he decided to change the date to avoid having the second reopening "take effect during a busy Father's Day weekend." Lamont said his administration will release additional safety guidance in the next couple of days for businesses that fall under the second phase .