Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

December 4, 2020

Cracking down: New Haven issues fines, order aimed at COVID rule violators

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

New Haven officials said they have fined two city businesses for allegedly breaking COVID-19 rules, and issued warnings to 18 others. 

In November, Mayor Justin Elicker announced that local businesses which don’t comply with orders regarding mask-wearing and gathering size would face local fines.

The city’s COVID inspection team initially issues a written warning. After that, a New Haven business or entity is fined $100 if an employee fails to wear a mask or cloth face covering at work. Also, anyone who organizes, hosts or sponsors a gathering that violates the state’s rules on maximum capacity could face a $500 fine.

On Thursday, city Director of Health Maritza Bond said they have issued three $100 fines for violations so far.

This includes two infractions against one business, Forbes Premium Fuel at 401 Forbes Ave., and one against Justin’s Deli Market at 304 Grand Ave. Both received initial warning letters prior to being fined, officials said.

Additionally, the following establishments have received warning letters, according to the city: 

  • Aden Corner Store - 248 Grand Ave.
  • C-Town - 325 Ferry St.
  • G-Mini Mart - 604 Ferry St.
  • Jax Grocery - 1314 State St.
  • Johnny Salami’s - 205 Food Terminal Plaza
  • Lamberti Packaging Co. - 207 Food Terminal Plaza
  • Noodle House - 132 Amity Rd.
  • Wah Chun Restaurant - 218 Grand Ave.
  • Alma’s Deli - 1464 Ella Grasso Blvd.
  • Best Deli Food Store - 339 Ella Grasso Blvd.
  • Blake Street Convenience - 295 Blake St.
  • Eddy’s Food Center-  276 Howard Ave.
  • Frisco’s Pizza - 345 Forbes Ave.
  • Henry’s Barbershop - 225 Farren Ave.
  • Sing Wah - 548 Whalley Ave.
  • West Rock One Stop Food Mart - 122 Wilmot Rd.
  • Winchester Deli - 265 Winchester Ave.
  • New Haven Grocery and More - 1312 State St.

According to Elicker, city officials have seen a number of local businesses be lax about the number of people allowed to gather inside, and about employees’ mask usage. Any money raised through fines will go to state coffers.

New order starts Monday

Meanwhile, Elicker announced Thursday he has signed an executive order which goes into effect on Dec. 7. 

Under this order, employers with in-person staff must report any worker coronavirus cases or positive tests to the city’s Department of Public Health within 24 hours, and advise affected employees to follow isolation and quarantine guidelines. 

These employers must also implement and adhere to a “return to work” policy, which must cover employee health screening, and for symptomatic and COVID positive employees, mandatory leave and returning to work protocols. Employers must formally notify all workers about the policies and protocols.

This new order does not carry any potential fine. However, if an establishment violates the new order, the city Health Department may issue a closure order or revoke a city-issued license. 

“We are concerned enough, we felt this was a necessary step,” Elicker said. “The goal of the executive order is to ensure that employers in New Haven are implementing proper COVID policies. We are ensuring that employees have a safe environment.”

Elicker indicated that city officials have noticed a number of local establishments are not doing health screenings for employees, not telling symptomatic employees to go home, and not having proper “return to work” policies.

As of Thursday afternoon, the city had 5,437 coronavirus cases, and 126 fatalities among residents, according to Elicker. 

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF