Connecticut to Commence Phase 2.1
Due to a steadily increasing positivity rate for COVID-19, Connecticut’s Governor Lamont announced the State will roll back to a modified version of its original Phase 2- Phase 2.1. These new (old) measures will go into effect this Friday, November 6.
Connecticut had moved from Phase 2 to Phase 3 on October 8th. Shortly thereafter, Connecticut implemented the concept of red and orange alert zones based on a municipality’s individual COVID-19 positivity rate. Towns and cities which found themselves in these alert zones were given the option to roll back to Phase 2. However, with the state-wide infection rate reaching its highest level in over five (5) months and approximately two-thirds of Connecticut’s cities and towns now finding themselves in either red or orange alert zone, the Governor was compelled earlier this week to take action- Phase 2.1.
The slightly modified Phase 2 rules go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 6.
The major changes that will occur under Phase 2.1 include:
- Restaurants are to reduce capacity to 50%, with a maximum of 8 people per table;
- Restaurants and entertainment venues like bowling allies, movie theaters, arcades, etc. will now be required to close by 9:30 p.m. (excluding food takeout and delivery services, which can remain open after 9:30 p.m.);
- Event venues will be limited to 25 people indoor, 50 people outdoor;
- Performing arts venues and movie theaters will have a capacity limit of 100 people; and
- Religious gatherings will be limited to 50 percent capacity or a maximum of 100 people.
No change to personal service businesses, such as hair salons and barber shops, which will remain at 75 percent capacity.
In addition, employers have been encouraged to maximize telework to the extent possible. And, those over 60 and with chronic conditions are urged to remain home as much as possible.
We expect further guidance from the Department of Economic and Community Development in the coming days. For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.
The subject matter of COVID-19 posts are often very technical. It is also an evolving area of law and very fact specific. Our goal here is to simply alert you to some of the key issues involved. We urge you to seek competent legal counsel before applying these ideas to your specific situation. Since March, we have had a team of attorneys focusing on COVID-19 related developments and they continue to stand ready to help you with any issues involving the pandemic.