CT Coronavirus: Lamont On Mask Mandate, Reopening State

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont appeared on CNN Thursday morning to discuss possibly reopening Connecticut as the coronavirus outbreak subsides. President Donald Trump is expected to release federal guidelines for reopening later Thursday.

Lamont was asked if he was prepared to reopen Connecticut before the state receives proper testing and supplies. Lamont said the state wouldn't reopen prematurely. He has emphasized that the state will not consider reopening until May 20 at the earliest and even that isn't a guarantee.

Lamont said if states had received more testing kits, they'd be in a much better situation for when they are able to reopen for business. Lamont said it has been "hit or miss" on whether the state received what it needed from the federal government.

Lamont said he'll review Trump's guidelines for reopening but at the end of the day the states will make that decision.

"Every state is different," Lamont said.

He said it would be "really dangerous" to reopen too soon as the infection rate is still increasing and the virus is spreading faster in northern parts of Connecticut now.

"We're still on the up curve," Lamont said. "We need to be careful before we open the doors."

He said we need to ensure there isn't a "second surge" which has been detected in other countries.

Lamont also said on CNN that more stimulus money is needed, especially for small businesses as the service industry has been wiped out and the states lost most of its revenue and needs federal assistance.

What will the mask mandate look like?

Lamont said he will issue an executive order soon on mandating the wearing of masks. But he told CNN that the guidelines will be simple.

"Anytime you can't social distance wear a mask," Lamont said.

He said if you're shopping in a grocery store then wear a mask and if you're an employee you must wear a mask. He said if you're walking by yourself then there is no mandate to wear a mask but if you are walking and come upon a group of people then you should put your mask on.

He said his order on masks isn't meant to be a punishment and he envisions neighbors helping to enforce it. Lamont said for a first violation a person may receive a "friendly reminder" to wear the mask when around people.

Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for free Patch alerts and daily newsletters from all across Connecticut.