Here Are Some Businesses That May Reopen In 2nd Coronavirus Phase

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont said the state will aim for June 20 for its second phase of reopening the economy so long as the coronavirus health situation permits it.

At that point it’s possible that partial capacity indoor dining could be allowed, Lamont said. Other potential phase 2 business reopenings include gyms, weddings and graduations, but nothing is set in stone at this point.

Connecticut had another 522 positive coronavirus cases reported Wednesday, bringing the state total to 34,855. The positive case rate for administered tests was a little higher than 10 percent; the past few days the rate was under 10 percent. Deaths rose by 84 to 3,125 total. Net hospitalizations continued to decline with 31 fewer patients compared to yesterday.

The Connecticut Restaurant Association released a letter signed by 130 business owners that asks Lamont to allow 50 percent indoor dining capacity on June 3. Lamont said he wants to err on the side of caution as people are much less likely to be infected with the coronavirus outdoors as opposed to indoors even if the same strict sanitary guidelines are met.

“It’s not simply a matter of the state saying June 20th, it’s also a matter of giving the consumers confidence,” Lamont said.

State Rep. Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) who also owns Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant said he hopes that the June 3 date can be at least considered by Lamont’s administration.

"I’m hopeful we can be at least open to having those discussions,” he said. “June 3 might be an acceptable date for the industry.”

However, at the same time he doesn’t want to sacrifice the popular July and August dining season due to an early opening, he said.

Formica’s restaurant has an outdoor deck, which puts him in a better position than some restaurants for outdoor-only dining, but at the same time bad weather could be a damper on outdoor dining, he said.

State Rep. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) owns Cohen’s Bagels in Madison. Her restaurant is geared more toward quick-serve casual dining, and she has taken a significant revenue hit since the pandemic began. Her customers have adapted to online ordering and curbside pickup.

Some questions remain about certain aspects of protocol. She said a fellow business owner asked her earlier in the week whether they could refuse service to customers who refuse to wear a mask.

“Now we also have to become extremely concerned with how other customers are behaving in terms of their own safety protocols,” she said.

Cohen said she isn’t sure what her decision will be going forward as the state begins to reopen, but she is concerned for other restaurants as the industry operates on a low margin. She encouraged consumers to support local restaurants by ordering take-out and delivery.

A recent Lamont executive order will allow breweries to reopen outdoor drinking areas so long as they follow proper health guidelines and are accompanied by a food truck.

The state is also looking to eventually phase back in the plastic bag tax and more details should be released Thursday, said Lamont Chief of Staff Paul Mounds.

See also: Popular Drive-In Theatre Reopening May 20, Offers ‘Quarantine Friendly Form Of Entertainment’

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• CT Restaurant Association Asks For Limited Indoor Dining June 3

Consulting Contract Raises Questions

Lamont fielded questions Wednesday about a contract worth around $2 million with Boston Consulting Group, which is helping design the state’s reopening strategy.

As many as 17 consultants will be divided among small teams to create a “playbook” for Connecticut’s reopening strategy, according to the Hartford Courant. The cost is $110,000 per week for a team of three consultants and $140,000 a week for a team of four consultants.

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano criticized Lamont’s administration for the contract and said that the contract was never discussed with members of the public or legislative leaders.

“I am extremely disappointed that the governor would rather hire consultants than listen to those elected by the people or even those experts they’ve appointed on their Advisory Group,” Fasano said.

Lamont said the consulting group is also working with Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts and is helping analyze regional data. An executive order suspended the requirement for certain contract request for proposal requirements. Lamont said the traditional RFP process would take 60 days.

Lamont added that the cost is eligible for reimbursement from the federal government because it is a COVID-related expense.