May 21, 2020

Reopen CT COVID-19 Update

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Phase One of the governor’s reopening plan began May 20, 2020. This applies to offices, retail and malls, outdoor-only seating for restaurants, and the outdoor sections of zoos and museums.

This week, the governor also issued Executive Order 7PP, which repeals some of the previous executive orders restricting certain business operations. Specifically, the order extends restrictions on large gatherings, indoor gyms, and movie theaters until June 20. The order also states that summer schools may not begin until at least July 6, and day camps are not permitted to open until June 22 at the earliest. Overnight and resident camp operations will not be allowed to operate for the duration of the public health emergency.

As a reminder, hair salons and barbershops, which were originally included under the Phase One reopening, will now be allowed to reopen on June 1. This decision was made by the governor to align the reopening of Connecticut hair salons and barbershops with Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Please note: Businesses eligible to participate in the Phase One reopening must complete the self-certification form.

Here are some useful resources for you and your business as we begin the process of reopening Connecticut:

DECD Resource Page for Small Businesses: Click Here
General Business Rules: Click Here
Guidelines by Sector: Opening May 20, 2020
Museums & Zoos (Outdoor only): Click Here
Offices: Click Here
Restaurants (Outdoor only): Click Here
Retail and Malls: Click Here
Guidelines by Sector: Opening June 1, 2020
Hair Salons & Barbershops (June 1): Click Here
Guidance for Equestrian Facilities: Click Here

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has published the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application. Please note that all borrowers applying for forgiveness should submit this application directly to their lenders.

As a reminder, borrowers are eligible for full loan forgiveness if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on a mortgage, rent, and utilities.

PPP Loan Forgiveness Application: Click Here

Grants for CT Arts Organizations

CARES Act Emergency Relief Grants are available to help these important cultural organizations during the pandemic. Eligible non-profit arts organizations can apply for these one-time grants, which range from $1,500 to $3,000. The application deadline is Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Resources & Current Data

For the full update, including links to global, federal, state, and local resources, as well as the latest COVID-19 data for Connecticut, please click here.

As always, never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns about the state and local response to 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 family.

Memorial Day 2020

Each May, we come together to honor the heroic sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who died in service to our nation. We celebrate their lives with ceremonies, parades, and gatherings in observance of our shared belief in freedom and democracy for all. It is a solemn, and yet hopeful display of patriotism and our endless quest for a better and brighter future.

This year, amid a new challenge to our country, we will not commemorate this national holiday in a manner that this day deserves; However we can still honor the fallen by displaying the American Flag at our homes, by pausing at 3pm to observe the National Moment of Remembrance and reflecting on the freedoms that these men and women have afforded us through their sacrifices.

I hope you will all join me in observing this uniquely American holiday as we pay tribute to those that gave all so that we may live as free people of this great country.

As always, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns about the state’s response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic, or any other matter pertaining to state government.