Connecticut continues to reopen. On June 6, 2020, Governor Lamont announced the rules for the second phase of Connecticut’s reopening plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The second phase is planned to take effect on Wednesday, June 17, and covers businesses in the following sectors:
- Amusement parks
- Hotels/lodging
- Indoor dining
- Indoor museums, zoos, and aquariums
- Indoor recreation (e.g. bowling, movie theaters, etc.)
- Libraries
- Outdoor events
- Personal services (e.g. nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc.)
- Sports and fitness facilities (e.g. gyms, fitness centers, pools, etc.)
- Social Clubs must follow the rules applicable to their operation (e.g. Restaurant, Pool)
There are specific rules and detailed requirements for businesses in each of these sectors. These rules include information about physical distancing, facility capacity, hygiene sanitizing, signage, personal protective equipment (PPE), training and more. The rules for each of these types of businesses are available here.
Businesses in these sectors are not required to reopen on June 17; the decision to reopen rests with the business owner. However, beginning Monday, June 8, businesses and nonprofits planning to reopen on June 17 will need to self-certify that they are compliant with the reopening rules for their sector. According to the DECD, businesses that already self-certified during Phase 1 don’t have to certify again for Phase 2. Businesses can find the certification system on this page of the DECD website.
In general, the Phase 2 rules continue to limit most businesses to 50% of normal capacity, to require the wearing of facemasks, to impose stringent cleaning and sanitation requirements, and to suggest that employees who can work from home continue to do so. Employers must be mindful of these obligations as they begin reopening their businesses, returning employees to work, and serving patrons. Business owners should continue to consult the DECD’s coronavirus information webpage regularly for additional guidance.
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