FINALLY CT WILL OPEN UP TO PHASE 3: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN EXACTLY?
Governor Ned Lamont announced details for his plans to move Connecticut into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The plan, which took effect on Thursday, October 8, 2020, will ease some of the restrictions that were put into place on businesses and gatherings, while ensuring that the state continues taking a safe approach to limit spread of the virus.
Business changes in Phase 3 will include:
- Increase from 50 percent to 75 percent capacity indoors – subject to COVID-19 safety requirements – for restaurants, personal services, hair salons, barber shops, and libraries;
- Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks, etc.) will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements;
- Indoor performing arts venues will be able to open at 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements; and
- Bars and nightclubs will continue to remain closed.
In addition, Phase 3 also includes the following changes to the sizes of gatherings:
Private Gatherings – Social and Recreational
Occurs at commercial establishment / places of business:
INDOOR: 50% capacity, capped at 100 people (Currently 25)
OUTDOOR: Capped at 150 people (Currently 100)
Occurs at private residence, indoor and outdoor: capped at 25 people-no change
Graduations
INDOOR: 50% capacity, capped at 200, Masks/social distancing (Currently not allowed)
OUTDOOR: 50% capacity of 6-foot spacing, no cap, Masks/social distancing (Currently
One-time exemption capped at 150)
Religious
INDOOR: 50% capacity, capped at 200, Masks/social distancing (Currently 25% capacity, capped at 100 people)
OUTDOOR: 50% capacity and 6-foot spacing, no cap, masks/social distancing (Currently capped at 150 people)