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March 25, 2020

Business community seeks answers amid coronavirus crisis

Photo | CT Mirror/MARK PAZNIOKAS Rep. Sean Scanlon, right, and Sen. Matthew Lesser.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

What would happen to a business which defies the order to close down if it isn’t considered “essential?” Will lawmakers rethink the new minimum-wage rules because of the health crisis? When do experts think the crisis will peak in Connecticut?

These were among the questions posed to lawmakers Monday, when dozens from the region’s business community participated in a video conference Q&A with Shoreline area legislators.

Sheri Cote, president of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, moderated the event, which featured State Sen. Christine Cohen (D-12) of Madison and State Reps. Vincent Candelora (R-86) of North Branford), Guilford’s Sean Scanlon (D-98) and Robin E. Comey (D-102) of Branford.

On Friday Gov. Ned Lamont issued a “Stay Safe, Stay Home” executive order directing all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state to stop in-person functions as of Monday, March 23 at 8 p.m. Lamont is encouraging businesses to allow telecommuting as much as possible. The state has issued a list of all the businesses it deems to be “essential,” which include an array of health care, utilities, manufacturing, supermarkets, law enforcement, child-care services and more. 

Non-essential businesses can apply for a waiver of the closure order.

Lamont has said that any companies that ignore the order could face potential fines.

“The governor has been clear that fines may be possible,” Scanlon said. “If your business is not considered essential, don’t open.”

[Read HBJ’s coronavirus coverage here]

Scanlon said no one is interested in a “martial law” situation, and he urged everyone to comply. 

“We aren’t trying to crack down on people,” Scanlon said. “We are not trying to police people, and we don’t have the resources to make this a police state.”

One participant asked whether there has been any discussion about delaying the minimum-wage increases currently being phased in, a five-year plan to raise the minimum hourly wage to $15. 

“I really think we need to look at that,” Candelora said. “I would support a suspension.”

Participants also asked lawmakers if they have any insight about when the crisis may be over.

According to Scanlon, the health-care community is looking at the week of April 15 as a possible peak for coronavirus cases.

“That’s when most of the experts think it will be the high-water mark of people getting sick,” Scanlon said.

When questioned about obtaining testing, lawmakers urged people to contact their primary-care physicians if they become ill. 

“Do not just go to the hospital,” Scanlon said. “The hospital system is very fragile right now. They are also dealing with routine cases, like car accidents and cancer treatments [in addition to people sick with coronavirus]. If anyone shows up without a prescription for a test, they won’t let you in.”

David Lehman, commissioner of the state’s Department of Economic & Community Development, said state officials are working “around the clock” to support state businesses during the pandemic.

“Our primary goal is to support our public-health objective while balancing the important needs of our citizens and the Connecticut economy,” Lehman said in an announcement. “I encourage residents and businesses to review the guidance carefully and apply for a waiver only if they deem necessary.”

To help businesses in Connecticut navigate the COVID-19 crisis, DECD has established the COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit reachable at 860-500-2333.

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