CT Patch Survey: Readers Share Thoughts About Reopening

CONNECTICUT — About a quarter of Connecticut Patch readers say they would feel comfortable using personal services like hair salons or outdoor dining within the first week of the state’s May 20 reopening, according to an informal Patch survey conducted between May 8 and 13. The survey received around 12,300 responses.

Another 35 percent said they would feel comfortable using personal services sometime after June 26; 27 percent said they would be comfortable with outdoor dining at that point. Still, 19 percent of respondents said they weren’t sure when they would use personal services and 20 percent weren’t sure about outdoor dining.

Gov. Ned Lamont has decided that nail salons will reopen in a later phase. Barber shops and hair salons can reopen on May 20, but must be appointment-only, only run at 50 percent capacity and both patrons and stylists must wear masks at all times.

About 31 percent of respondents said they would be comfortable patronizing an outdoor zoo or museum between May 20 and 27.

“While the governor is following the guide lines set forth the bottom line is like me each individual will determine when they feel safe,” one reader wrote. “I am 67 and have diabetes, it will be quite a while before I re enter life outside.”

There is a fair amount of trepidation about whether the state could avoid a resurgence of cases after the May 20 reopening.

About 30 percent of those who submitted responses said they are very unconfident that the state can avoid a resurgence of cases. Another 23 percent were somewhat unconfident. Only 11 percent of those who took the survey said they were very confident a resurgence could be avoided.

“While the hospital systems MAY be somewhat better prepared for an influx of new cases, I am not sure that conditions are any different than what they were when things were closed in March,” another reader wrote. “There are still many new cases everyday and continued deaths. Social distancing has reduced the impact but not eliminated the threat nor are there proven frontline treatments to remediate this once infected.”

It appears that most Connecticut Patch readers won’t be venturing out of the state for vacations this summer. About three of every four people who took the survey said they didn’t plan to take a destination vacation this summer. The same proportion of people said they were not comfortable sending their child to summer camp.

About 30 percent of those who took the survey said they were unsure whether public schools will have classes in the fall. Another 25 percent said they were somewhat confident classes would resume.

“While I appreciate the dilemma of all governors concerning opening, I believe we should be extra vigilant until a proven vaccine is developed,” one reader wrote. “Camps and other activities where children can and will gather too close together and even share edibles, frighten me. Violations of distance and protective gear rules should be dealt with severely. It's our lives and the lives of our families.”