CT Hits Pause On 3rd Reopening Phase

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont officially announced he is hitting pause on the state’s third reopening phase that was originally scheduled to start in mid-July. The reopening would’ve included the return of bars and larger outdoor event capacity for things like concerts and racetracks.

“Look, I like a beer at the bar as much as the next person, I know how frustrating this can be, but right now with this pandemic flaring up in a majority of other states, this is not the time to take a risk,” Lamont said.

The governor announced late last week that bars wouldn’t be reopening in mid-July. He hasn’t given a definitive date on when they might reopen.

Lamont’s decision comes after several states, including Texas, have shut down their bars and scaled back indoor dining capacity to 50 percent. Connecticut never reopened their bars and has kept indoor dining capacity at 50 percent since June 17.

Some governors in current hot spot states said their biggest regret was reopening bars, Lamont said. There was also difficulty in enforcing social distancing rules at bars.

The pause also means that private social gatherings will be limited to 25 people indoors and 100 outdoors for the foreseeable future, Lamont said.

The state will continue with its plan to reopen campgrounds on July 8, Lamont said.

Connecticut’s coronavirus figures continued in the same positive direction over the weekend. There were 259 new cases out of 24,692 test results over the past three days. There were also three new deaths over three days reported.

Hospitalizations dropped by a net of 26 patients over the last three days; there are now 69 people in the hospital for coronavirus.

State funds coming for local schools

The state’s budget office and local school districts are working together to determine the approximate cost for the fall school reopening, Lamont said. Those details are being worked out over the next two to three weeks.

“They will be getting state support to make this happen,” Lamont said.

More than $100 million has already been distributed to schools from federal funds for coronavirus-related expenses.

Lamont also said that classes could potentially be held outside on hot September days. The state’s school reopening guidelines only permit fans to blow air outside of a classroom, but not to circulate it around.

Students and staff could also get a break from masks by going outdoors for periods and social distancing, he said.