CT Coronavirus Updates: School, Restaurant, Bar Closures Extended

HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont said Connecticut public schools will not reopen on April 20 as originally planned.

"In the best interests of public health," Lamont tweeted, he and state Department of Education Commissioner Miquel Cardona decided "to delay the re-opening of classes at schools until May 20." Lamont added that he wouldn't be shocked to see the May 20 date extended.

Cardona said that "while the future seems uncertain," he said normalcy will come at some point but added that in late May, "we will reevaluate to see if returning to the classroom is even possible" and that includes all school related events including athletics.

"This decision has not been made lightly," he said, noting that it was made to protect the lives of students and staff.

Cardona said that sending students and staff back to school prematurely could place them in "harms way."

He added schools are planning for the "worst case scenario," which is schools possibly remaining closed for the end of the year, but he was adamant that the class of 2020 will have a graduation.

"You worked hard for it, you deserve it and you're going to get it," even if it must be postponed. He said a graduation will definitely occur and it's already being discussed at the local level.

Lamont initially announced that schools would close for two weeks between March 17 and March 31. He then extended that date to April 20.

Restaurants and bars will also remain closed until May 20

The Hartford Business Journal first reported that Connecticut restaurants and bars will also remain closed until May 20 except for takeout and delivery. Lamont confirmed that news at his news briefing Thursday afternoon.

Lamont had ordered bars and restaurants closed until April 30 but said he plans to extend that until May 20. He also said it is possible that date could be extended.

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