CT Coronavirus Updates: 1st Group Of Businesses Can Reopen May 20

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont revealed the first group of businesses that will be allowed to reopen on May 20 as long as they meet safety and social distancing requirements.

On May 20, Lamont said restaurants are allowed to open for outdoor only dining but no bar areas are allowed. Restaurants will still not be allowed to offer indoor dining.

Scott Dolch, Executive Director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said he has concerns that the reopening plans won't do enough for restaurants in the state.

“The Governor and his administration are working hard on plans to reopen our economy, and we’re glad they’ve included our industry at that table. The plans announced today would be a step toward reopening, but we fear it would not be nearly a big enough step to save thousands of restaurants on the brink of going out of business. We’re asking the group to be flexible as they refine these plans, and we stand ready to help them do it.

"To be clear, restaurants know that things cannot return to normal right away," Dolch said in his statement." That's why just this week our industry put forward clear steps we can and will take to protect our customers. In recent months, we have proven we are capable of adapting and keeping our customers and workers safe. We can open dining rooms in a way that is safe and would not restrict restaurants to only outdoor service for such an extended period, as was recommended today. There are ways to project customers while still opening the economy, and we have put those ideas on the table. No sector of Connecticut's economy was hit sooner or hit harder than local restaurants."

Lamont also said "Main Street retail businesses" such as shoe, toy, jewelry, and boutique stores will be allowed to reopen on May 20. He said employees will be required to wear masks.

State officials clarified that "malls can’t reopen" on May 20 but the "stores that are attached to the mall can open but their entrances into the rest of the mall cannot be utilized." Larger big box retailers can open but only if they "take the necessary precautions to protect their staffs and customers," officials said. People can expect a reduced capacity in all stores in an effort to ensure safety and social distancing requirements.

Hair and nail salons can reopen on May 20 but likely via appointments. Museums and zoos can also reopen, but for outdoor only activities. Additional outdoor recreation services such as camping and mountain biking will be allowed. Office employees can return on May 20 but working from home is still encouraged and preferred, officials said.

"May 20 will be an important start up date for us," Lamont said.

He said a recommendation on what will happen with schools will be announced next week. Schools remain closed until at least May 20.

The types of essential businesses that never closed include: manufacturing, essential retail, real estate, utilities, construction, childcare, and hospitals.

Lamont said he wouldn't be surprised to see some stores on this May 20 list open while some remain closed until they are confident that they can open safely. In Georgia, most consumers are still staying away, Lamont said.

Lamont said he believes the consumer will be slow to return and remain cautious.

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Lamont said he's been impressed by the businesses in Connecticut and how they have remained closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials said there will be phased-in reopening and it will include four phases. The next three phases of openings will occur over the next several months.

Lamont said casinos and other large-scale events such as the Hartford Yard Goats will take more time before they can reopen. Officials said the casinos are currently working on a plan for a potential reopening. Officials also said they need to be cautious so there isn't a resurgence of the coronavirus.

Connecticut currently has 27,700 total confirmed coronavirus cases, 2,257 deaths and 1,650 hospitalizations. For the eighth straight day hospitalizations declined in Connecticut.

The first indicator for reopening is having 14 straight days of declining new hospital admissions. Lamont said another major part of the reopening plan is the ability to ramp up testing, which is underway.

"We need to give the consumer confidence that they are safe," Lamont said.

He also said Connecticut has a growing number of personal protective equipment including masks and gowns. Lamont said masks will be the key to reopening and they are being given to small businesses to protect their employees.

Of the more than 400,000 Connecticut residents currently unemployed due to the coronavirus, 11 percent are from essential businesses that are allowed to be open and that may be due to a lack of demand for certain services such as new home construction, Lamont said.

He said another 10 percent of Connecticut's unemployment figure is a result of businesses that remained open but closed due to a lack of demand including childcare, landscaping, and hardware. But more than half of the state's unemployment is a result of the service industry.