Reopening Guidelines
Governor Lamont's Roadmap for Reopening Connecticut
With input from assembled with input from state agencies and departments, legislators, and subject matter experts from the Reopen CT Advisory Group, Governor Lamont released a roadmap for reopening Connecticut.
State of Connecticut Small Business Reopening Guide
Connecticut has released an online guide to help small businesses comply with COVID-19 safety guidance and manage the broader reopening process. The Small Business Reopening Resource Guide can be accessed by visiting the state’s coronavirus website at ct.gov/coronavirus and clicking the “Business” section, or accessed directly below:
On May 9, the state Department of Economic and Community Development released the following industry sector-specific guidelines for businesses permitted to open May 20.
The May 20 phase one reopening guidelines are based on a set of safeguards, with strict controls on business operations and social interaction. These include, among other measures:
- Capacity limit of 50% for businesses that reopen
- Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols in all settings
- Those who can work from home should continue to do so
- Those in high-risk groups (comorbidities) and over the age of 65 should continue to stay safe and stay home
- Face masks should continue to be worn in public at all times
- Social gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of five people
The state will monitor progress based on defined public health metrics, with safeguards and controls loosened based on that progress.
If efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus are successful, additional businesses will be permitted to open and additional leeway given to those already allowed to operate.
This process is expected to continue through September, 2020.
Businesses deemed essential by the state that have been allowed to remain open must follow the Connecticut Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers.
Those rules largely mirror the reopening guidelines—including requiring masks or face coverings. Essential employers are not limited to 50% onsite employee capacity.
Individual Sector Guidelines
- Hair Salons and Barbershops
- Museums and Zoos (Outdoor Only)
- Offices
- Restaurants (Outdoor Only)
- Retail and Malls
Individual Sector Guidelines (Español)
- Peluquerías y Barberías
- Museos y Zoológicos
- Oficinas
- Restaurantes
- Tiendas Retail y Centros Comerciales
Re-Open Your Business
Connecticut businesses will be allowed to reopen in planned phases. But before you can open your doors, you must self-certify that you are following strict safety guidelines to keep your employees and customers safe.
Latest Guidance in Effect
- Gatherings: All social and recreational gatherings of more than 5 people are prohibited. Religious, spiritual, and worship gatherings of more than 50 are prohibited. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
- Face Coverings: When in public and a six-foot distance is unavoidable, face coverings are required to be worn. This does not apply to anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to their health because of a medical condition. Guidance on face coverings has been issued to the state's businesses. A CDC video explains how to make a face covering at home.
- Business operations: The Governor signed an executive order directing Connecticut residents to "Stay Safe, Stay Home." It directs all nonessential businesses statewide to prohibit in-person functions. Guidance has been issued to the state's businesses. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
- Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers: All workplaces considered essential must follow Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
- Retail establishments that are permitted to stay open under the "Stay Safe, Stay Home" order must follow "Safe Store Rules" for their operations. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
- Food establishments are required to provide take-out and delivery services for off-premise consumption only. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
- Gyms, theaters, hair and nail salons, barbershops, spas, and tattoo parlors are not permitted to operate. This remains in effect until May 20, unless otherwise modified.
- Schools: In-person classes all K-12 schools are canceled for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. Schools should continue distance learning.
- Summer camps: Summer camps will be permitted to open effective June 29, 2020. Guidance will be released in the coming days with specific details they must follow to operate.
- Travelers: Any person coming into Connecticut by any mode of transportation should self-quarantine for 14 days.