By Richard Kaufman
As vaccinations continue to roll out around the state and positive cases continue to drop, Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday announced plans to ease some COVID-19 restrictions.
Protocols relating to face coverings, social distancing, and cleaning measures are being maintained. Lamont urged residents and businesses to continue to adhere to those health and safety procedures.
“While it is encouraging to see the number of cases in our state gradually going down and people getting vaccinated at rates that are among the highest in the nation, we need to continue taking this virus seriously to mitigate its spread as much as possible,” Lamont said on Thursday. “Please continue to wear face coverings in public and when around other people outside of your households, maintain social distancing, and keep washing your hands and cleaning surfaces. Connecticut has made tremendous strides to combat this pandemic, and we don’t want to lose the progress that we’ve made.”
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo said that easing restrictions rather than lifting them entirely is a “prudent plan of action.”
“Any easing of restrictions is I think warranted and welcomed. Numbers and trends are showing we’re going in the right direction, and people for the most part are doing the right thing,” he said.
Camillo also urged residents to keep their guard up against the virus.
“If you don’t keep your mask on and your guard up, you could lose the game. That’s what we don’t want. We want to continue on the path we’re going and the direction we’re going, and we’ll get there soon enough.”
Protocols that will remain in effect until further notice include:
- Face coverings and masks continue to be required
- Bars that only serve beverages continue to remain closed
- 11PM closing time remains in place for events at venues, restaurants, and entertainment
- Indoor theaters continue to have a 50% capacity
- Large event venues (e.g. stadiums) to open in April
Beginning Friday, March 19, 2021
- All capacity limits will be eliminated for the following businesses, while face coverings, social distancing, and other cleaning and disinfecting protocols will continue to be required:
- Restaurants (8-person table capacity and 11PM required closing time for dining rooms continues)
- Retail
- Libraries
- Personal services
- Indoor recreation (excludes theaters, which will continue to have a 50% capacity)
- Gyms/fitness centers
- Museums, aquariums, and zoos
- Offices
- Houses of worship
- Gathering sizes will be revised to the following amounts:
- Social and recreational gatherings at private residence – 25 indoors/100 outdoors
- Social and recreational gatherings at commercial venues – 100 indoors/200 outdoors
- All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed, subject to Department of Public Health guidance
- Connecticut’s travel advisory will be modified from a requirement to recommended guidance
Beginning Monday, March 29, 2021
- Capacity limits on early childhood classes will increase from 16 to 20
Beginning Friday, April 2, 2021
- Outdoor amusement parks can open
- Outdoor event venues can increase to a 50% capacity, capped at 10,000 people
- Indoor stadiums can open at 10% capacity
- Summer camps and summer festivals are advised to begin the planning stages to open for the upcoming season
