Sector Rules for Phase Two Reopening

Rules for Phase Two Reopening by Sector

The Lamont administration has released rules for businesses included in the state’s Phase Two reopening plan, which begins on June 17. The documents below contain sector-specific rules for reopening including requirements for physical distancing, spatial capacity, hygiene and sanitation, personal protective equipment, and more.

Here are the documents by sector:

• Amusement Parks: Click Here

• Hotels/Lodging: Click Here 

• Indoor Dining: Click Here

• Indoor Museums, Zoos, Aquariums: Click Here

• Indoor Recreation (e.g. bowling, movie theaters, etc.): Click Here

• Libraries: Click Here

• Outdoor Events: Click Here

• Personal Services (e.g. hair salons, tattoo parlors): Click Here

• Sports/Fitness Facilities (e.g. gyms, fitness centers, pools, etc.): Click Here

Please note: If you are a business eligible to reopen on June 17 (Phase Two), you must self-certify prior to reopening. To self-certify, please click here.

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA)

Based on numerous complaints regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA), which has been signed into law. Generally speaking, this act makes it easier for small businesses to qualify for loan forgiveness in the following ways:

• Extends from 8 weeks to 24 weeks (or to 12/31/2020, whichever comes first) the amount of time a business has to spend the loan amount, hence giving them more time to use the funds on expenditures deemed “forgivable”.

• It decreases, from 75% to 60%, the amount of the loan which owners must spend on payroll expenses (broadly defined) in order to be eligible for loan forgiveness. This gives businesses more flexibility to use the funds for other operational costs including mortgage, rent, and utilities.

• It extends, from 2 years to 5 years, the time a borrower has to pay back any unforgiven amount of the loan. The loan carries a 1% interest rate.

• It extends the loan repayment deferral period from 6 months to the date when the Small Business Administration reimburses lenders for the forgivable amount of the loans it has provided to borrowers.

• It extends the deadline to rehire employees laid off during the crisis to previous salary levels from June 30 to December 31 in order to avoid a reduction in loan forgiveness.

Update for Camping Season 2020

DEEP has announced that camping will reopen for the summer season beginning July 8 for both tent and RV camping. Campers with a prior reservation using an RV with a functioning bathroom and water system may begin using DEEP campgrounds on July 1.

Click here for the full press release.

Nursing Home Review

Sadly, many nursing home and assisted facility residents fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. This virus has affected our most vulnerable population, and so many of our beloved seniors have been lost. Today, the governor announced a formal review of the state’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This will be conducted by an independent, third-party organization. They will examine measures taken by each facility to prepare for and respond to the crisis. The governor wants this process completed by fall in preparation for a possible second wave.

Click here to read the full press release.

Email: Brian.Lanoue@cga.ct.gov

Best,

State Rep. Brian Lanoue

45^th General Assembly District

Griswold, Lisbon, Plainfield, Sterling, Voluntown