Coronavirus Update: Clarification on Governor’s Order Regarding “Non-Essential” v. “Essential” Businesses
Late last week, the governor issued an executive order to close “non-essential” businesses as a strategy to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The governor’s order goes into effect tonight, Monday, March 23rd at 8:00 p.m. Last night, the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development released official guidance designed to give owners, their employees, and residents clarification on which businesses will remain open, and which will not.
First, it is important to remember that critical businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and financial institutions, will remain open. Other essential businesses include doctor and dentist offices, veterinary and animal health services, airports, hotels, hardware stores, farms and farmer’s markets, auto supply and repair, daycares, and much more.
There is a process that will allow business owners to file for an exemption from the order. Click Here
Here are some additional resources:
* PRESS RELEASE (3/22/2020) – Governor Lamont Provides Updates on Connecticut’s Coronavirus Response Efforts: Click Here
* PRESS RELEASE (3/22/2020) – Governor Lamont Releases Guidance to Businesses on Order Asking Connecticut to “Stay Safe, Stay Home”: Click Here
* PRESS RELEASE (3/22/2020) – Governor Lamont Uses CTAlert System to Urge Connecticut Residents to “Stay Safe, Stay Home”: Click Here
* EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 7J (3/22/2020) – Clarifying EO No. 7H Regarding Operations at “Non-Essential” Businesses and Providing for Rapid State Government Emergency Response: Click Here
* EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 7I (3/21/2020) – Municipal Operations and Availability of Assistance and Healthcare: Click Here
Additionally, you may click here to see the number of COVID-19 cases in Connecticut by town, which was updated yesterday.
Resources
As a reminder, these are the best resource pages from our federal, state and local governments that are updated regularly:
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): Click Here
State of Connecticut Web Portal: Click Here
FAQ Document from Governor’s Office: Click Here
Town of New Canaan: Click Here
Town of Wilton: Click Here
As always, I will provide more updates as I receive new information. Please reach out to me if you have questions or concerns about our state and local response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), or any state government matter. I am more than happy to speak with you directly, provide more information if possible, and to serve as a resource for you and your families.
Email: Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov
Best,
Tom
State Representative Tom O’Dea
125th General Assembly District
New Canaan & Wilton