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State issues protocols for businesses to begin reopening

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut officials on Friday released detailed protocols on how restaurants, retail stores, hair salons and other businesses can reopen beginning May 20, as hospitalizations due to the coronavirus continue to decline but deaths remain on the rise statewide.

Some business owners, however, are concerned about opening by that date, citing a lack of availability of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. State officials said they’ll be working with owners to obtain those supplies and help them ensure social distancing.

Meanwhile, others, including some restaurant owners, are concerned there are still too many restrictions being put on them.

“The plans announced today would be a step toward reopening, but unfortunately not nearly a big enough step to save hundreds of restaurants from going out of business in the weeks ahead,” said Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, in a written statement. “This plan would keep the inside of restaurants closed at the same time other industries are opening up, even those who also serve customers indoors.”

Under the protocols, restaurants will be limited only to outdoor dining and takeout, and bars must remain closed. Outside tables must be 6 feet apart. Bathrooms and other areas must be cleaned frequently. Employees must wear face masks and disposable gloves, and customers must wear face masks except while eating. Visual social distancing markers also will be required. 

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DECD/Covid_Business_Recovery/CTReopens_Restaurants_C5_V1.pdf?la=en

In office buildings, capacity will be limited to 50%, meetings will not be allowed to have more than five people, employees must be seated 6 feet apart and elevator capacity must be limited. Employees must wear face masks, except in private offices. Frequent cleaning also will be required. State officials will continue to urge people to work from home if possible.

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DECD/Covid_Business_Recovery/CTReopens_Offices_C4_V1.pdf?la=en

Retail stores also will be restricted to 50% capacity. Fitting rooms will be closed. Checkouts must have barriers separating cashiers from customers. Markers indicating 6 feet of distance must be installed at entrances and checkout lines. Customers and workers must wear masks, and frequent cleaning will be required.

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DECD/Covid_Business_Recovery/CTReopensRetail-C4V1.pdf?la=en

Hair salons and barbershops will be allowed to reopen by appointment only, and capacity will be limited to 50%. Waiting rooms will be closed, and workstations must be 6 feet apart.

Scissors and other tools must be soaked in disinfectant between appointments. Workers must wear masks and face shields or eye protection, and provide a clean smock for each customer. Customers also must wear masks. Visual social distancing markers also will be required.

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DECD/Covid_Business_Recovery/CTReopensHairBarbershopsC4V1.pdf?la=en

Guidelines for outdoor areas of museums and zoos were also released.

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DECD/Covid_Business_Recovery/CTReopens_MuseumsZoos_C4_V1.pdf?la=en

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said she recently heard from more than 120 hair and nail salon owners during a teleconference and some were concerned about being able to maintain social distancing and obtaining personal protective equipment. She said the guidelines announced Friday were designed to keep workers and customers safe.

“We want everybody in our state to feel comfortable,” she said. “All of us have longer hair and we can’t wait til you reopen. But we’re willing to wait until it’s safe to do that.”

Nail salons originally were on the list of businesses that were going to be allowed to reopen, but officials said they must remain closed for now. Gyms will continue to be prohibited from opening.

Gov. Ned Lamont said state officials will be watching closely to see if the reopenings lead to increased infections of the coronavirus.

The Democrat said earlier this week that testing for the virus continues to ramp up, with a goal of 42,000 per week. Nearly 4,400 tests were performed Thursday. The state is also stockpiling personal protective equipment, and a contact tracing program is being put together. The measures are aimed at curbing any outbreaks.

Lamont and David Lehman, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, said they don’t expect all businesses to reopen on May 20, because many may not be ready or still have concerns about the virus.

Lamont said that in states like Texas and Georgia, which have taken a quicker approach to reopening, many businesses did not reopen right away and many customers continued to stay away.

But the governor added, “In those places that opened quickly a lot of young people came pouring back into some of those venues and there have been some spikes in terms of the infection rate. This is what we’ve got to watch carefully.”

Lehman said state officials will be working with local leaders to enforce the protocols, and officials may consider suspending or revoking licenses of businesses that don’t follow the rules.

As of Friday, more than 32,400 state residents had tested positive for the virus and 2,874 residents had died. There were 1,336 people hospitalized because of the virus, 49 fewer than the previous day, continuing a two-week decline.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.

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Dave Rinelli

Local Headlines