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June 5, 2020

Lamont moves ‘Phase 2’ reopening up to June 17

PHOTO | New Haven BIZ Play it again, Sam: Movie theaters such as New Haven’s Criterion may now reopen June 17.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday that he plans to initiate the Phase 2 portion of the state’s reopening on Wednesday, June 17.

Previously, the second phase had been slated to begin around Saturday, June 20.

In announcing the decision, Lamont cited a desire to avoid having Phase 2 take effect during Father’s Day weekend, typically a busy time for businesses, particularly restaurants.

The governor’s office plans to release additional safety guidance for businesses that fall under Phase 2 in the next couple of days, according to Lamont.

“Our public health professionals are continuing to monitor test results for possible links to large demonstrations, but as long as COVID hospitalizations and infection rates remain low, we will be in a very good position for a June 17 Phase 2,” Lamont said via Twitter.

Phase 2 businesses allowed to reopen include gyms and fitness clubs, movie theaters, outdoor amusement parks, pools and museums, for example. Restaurants will be allowed to offer indoor dining, as they currently are allowed to offer takeout service and outdoor dining only. 

Earlier this week, the Connecticut Restaurant Association had written a letter to Lamont, asking him to allow them to reopen for indoor dining sooner.

Scott Dolch, association executive director, said after Lamont's decision that he believes restaurants could have opened for indoor dining safely sooner. The association had been pushing for Wednesday, June 10. 

"It is earlier and I do applaud the governor for making this change," Dolch said. "Trying to open on a weekend would have been hard for restaurants, who need to train staff."

"I'm still worried about the future of our restaurants," he added. "We may not know the full impact (of the closure) for months or years."

Bars and large outdoor events are included under Phase 3 of the reopening plan, and will follow about a month after Phase 2, Lamont and state officials have said.

As of Thursday afternoon, Lamont’s office reported 373 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 43,239 state residents who have tested positive, and 4,007 deaths.

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