CT Lifts Some Coronavirus Restraints It Placed On Businesses

CONNECTICUT — Nothing says life is returning to normal quite like "valet parking."

On Friday, the state eased up on a few of the rules it put in place for the reopening of certain non-essential business sectors, like hotels and restaurants.

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development updated the regulations after consulting with industry leaders and public health officials, according to a news release from the Office of Gov. Ned Lamont.

Servers in restaurants are no longer required to wear gloves, and live music is once again on the menu (although vocalists are still verboten). Hotels are now permitted to provide nonessential services and amenities, such as valets and ice machines. There are also new rules for indoor recreation and expanded guidance for outdoor events, offices, personal services, hair salons and barbershops, retail, and libraries, among other sectors.

Lamont had shuttered them all as part of his "Stay Safe, Stay Home" lockdown begun in March, intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and that spread has indeed been slowed. Connecticut had a second consecutive day of no newly reported coronavirus deaths Wednesday.

Some of the new guidelines may seem like more of a crackdown. Nonessential businesses now have the right to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask, and bathrooms will be getting more signage reminding people to wear them, as well as to wash their hands. In the event an employee tests positive for COVID-19, the state is now recommending the business implement a 24-hour passive decontamination and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for cleaning and disinfecting.

The updated rules and guidelines go into effect immediately. Businesses and nonprofits that have already completed the self-certification process as part of Phases 1 and 2 do not need to re-register, but must comply with any new rules for their sector, according to the governor.

See related: CT's Coronavirus Cases Soar But There Is An Explanation For That

• Car Crashes Into Home; Giant Hedge Fund Lays Off Dozens: CT News

Popular restaurant reopens/ Historic reform bill advances/ $450K embezzlement scheme/ Medical marijuana dispensary opens and more…>>>Read More.