Connecticut governor unveils four-stage plan to reopen state’s economy

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced a four-stage plan to reopen the state’s economy Thursday, as New York’s tri-state area is beginning to see some progress in overall coronavirus numbers.

Lamont signed a stay-at-home order over a month ago, shuttering nonessential businesses and other services such as nonprofits. 

The plan’s first stage allows for the reopening of retailers, offices, hair salons, outdoor restaurants and outdoor recreation facilities by May 20.

“If you want to make sure that this pandemic stays under control, we want to do everything we can to make sure there are no flare-ups around the region,” Lamont told reporters Thursday.

We’re looking at May 20 for the next phase of reopening, targeting certain industries, some of which will need modifications to ensure safety measures are in place so we don’t cause another spike. pic.twitter.com/21LrKwalZd

— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) April 30, 2020

The easing of restrictions is contingent on the state’s coronavirus infections and hospitalizations continuing to decline and the aforementioned businesses will be required to operate to reduce capacity, clean regularly and ensure adequate social distance between patrons. 

The governor said 60 percent of the state’s economy is operating amid the pandemic and that by next week he will have an update on how the state will move forward with K-12 schools. 

The next three stages are tentative, involving easing of restrictions on a gradual and cautious basis. Lamont said the last stage might not come for at least 10 months.

“We’re monitoring this carefully … expansion of the ability to provide those masks to more and more stores, more and more employees, more and more factories, is key to our reopening strategy,” Lamont said.

Lamont said businesses are not required to open but they “have a green light to open if you want to,” adding “Nobody is obviously required to go. And I think a lot of people are going to self-select.”

Connecticut has confirmed 27,700 coronavirus cases and has reported 2,257 deaths as of Thursday.

Earlier this month Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he, Lamont, and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) would be working on a “tri-state cooperative” for reopening.