Politics & Government
CT Houses Of Worship Reopening; Social Gatherings Expanded
Larger social gatherings indoors and outdoors will be permitted. Houses of worship will also be able to have larger services.
CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont unveiled new guidelines for social gatherings and houses of worship amid the coronavirus pandemic. The guidelines come on a day when the state saw 71 fewer coronavirus-related hospitalizations, which is the largest single-day drop in months, Lamont said.
The new executive order will permit social gatherings of up to 10 people indoors and up to 25 outdoors. Previously social gatherings of five or less both in and outdoors were permitted under Lamont's order.
Houses of worship can have up to 100 people during services or up to 25 percent capacity, whichever is less. Outdoor services can have up to 150 people so long as people maintain social distancing guidelines.
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"In this time in need, in this time of emotional stress there is nothing more important than the faith community and houses of worship," Lamont said.
Lamont also announced that the state’s two casinos agreed to some restrictions to help stop the spread of the virus. The casinos are having a preliminary opening on Saturday and will be fully open on June 1.
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Casino operators won’t allow out-of-state residents to stay in their hotels and are going to require everyone in the casino to wear a mask.
One of the casinos also agreed to ban smoking for the time being, Lamont said. He noted it is difficult to use a mask and smoke at the same time. The casino operators also said that people will only be able to drink through straws.
Dining at the casino will also be permitted only outside through June 20.
Lamont said he didn't get all the concessions he wanted from the casinos, but he was appreciative for some restrictions. He is also urging people over the age of 65 and those with preexisting conditions to stay away from the casinos.
"I felt pretty strongly that alcohol inside was probably not a preferred activity. Straws seem like a not great compromise," Lamont said. "I felt obviously on the date that we should’ve pushed that off a little bit like all of our regional casinos are ready to do."
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