March 19th Re-Opening
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
On Thursday, Governor Lamont announced upcoming changes to coronavirus restrictions set to begin on March 19th. While certain protocols and guidelines will remain in place, many capacity restrictions will be phased out or significantly reduced. Additionally, the Governor announced an early beginning for trout fishing season.
March 19th Re-Opening
Protocols that will remain in effect until further notice include:
- Face coverings and masks continue to be required
- Bars that only serve beverages continue to remain closed
- 11PM closing time remains in place for events at venues, restaurants, and entertainment
- Indoor theaters continue to have a 50% capacity
- Large event venues (e.g. stadiums) to open in April
The protocols that will be revised in the coming days include:
Beginning Friday, March 19, 2021
All capacity limits will be eliminated for the following businesses, while face coverings, social distancing, and other cleaning and disinfecting protocols will continue to be required:
- Restaurants (8-person table capacity and 11PM required closing time for dining rooms continues)
- Retail
- Libraries
- Personal services
- Indoor recreation (excludes theaters, which will continue to have a 50% capacity)
- Gyms/fitness centers
- Museums, aquariums, and zoos
- Offices
- Houses of worship
- Gathering sizes will be revised to the following amounts:
- Social and recreational gatherings at private residence – 25 indoors/100 outdoors
- Social and recreational gatherings at commercial venues – 100 indoors/200 outdoors
- All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed, subject to Department of Public Health guidance
- Connecticut’s travel advisory will be modified from a requirement to recommended guidance
Beginning Monday, March 29, 2021
- Capacity limits on early childhood classes will increase from 16 to 20
Beginning Friday, April 2, 2021
- Outdoor amusement parks can open
- Outdoor event venues can increase to a 50% capacity, capped at 10,000 people
- Indoor stadiums can open at 10% capacity
- Summer camps and summer festivals are advised to begin the planning stages to open for the upcoming season
Trout Season Opening Early
On Thursday, Governor Lamont issued an executive order to open the trout fishing season effective March 4th – instead of April 10th – with the goal of reducing the crowding that typically happens on opening day. Fishing licenses are available for the 2021 season through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s main fishing website.