During Governor Lamont’s news briefing yesterday, the Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman outlined some of the details for Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening plans on May 20.
This morning, documents containing guidance for businesses about those plans are were be released and can be viewed at ct.gov/coronavirus. Specific guidance is prescribed for the following sectors:
- Hair Salons & Barbershops
- Museums and Zoos (Outdoor Only)
- Offices
- Restaurants (Outdoor Only)
- Retail & Malls
Please note that the website also states “All businesses subject to these guidelines are required to self-certify prior to opening May 20th. The certification system will be online next week, and a link will be added to this page at that time.”
The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) states that as Connecticut’s offices reopen, businesses must exercise caution throughout the reopening, ensuring strict adherence to the protocols listed here. Those businesses that are not able to meet the rules listed here by May 20, should delay opening until they are able to. DECD advises that workers who
As businesses start reopening on May 20th, DECD prescribes that we will open at our strictest controls on business operations and societal interaction.
This will include, among other measures:
• Capacity limit of 50% for businesses that reopen.
• Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols in all settings.
• Those who can work from home should continue to do so.
• Those in high-risk groups (comorbidities) and over the age of 65 should continue to stay safe and stay home.
• Facemasks should continue to be worn in public at all times.
• Social gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of 5 people.
As the state see progress on a defined set of public health metrics (detail to follow), they will gradually loosen safeguards.
Additional $3 million in funding available for COVID-19 Business Response Program
DECD has committed an additional $3 million to the COVID-19 Business Response Program, which provides financial relief to minority-owned and women-owned small businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The program, administered by the Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO), provides zero-interest lines of credit of up to $20,000 to small businesses with 20 or fewer employees for more details click here.
By increasing its financial commitment from $2 million to $5 million, will more than double the number of companies receiving financial support during this difficult time. HEDCO is no longer accepting applications for the program – the additional $3 million will be directed to applications previously received.
DRS Extends Deadlines Administrative Protests & Tax Appeals
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services announced yesterday that it is extending the deadline for filing certain protests with its appellate division by 90 days. The agency also issued guidance regarding the filing of tax appeals.
FREE Face Coverings Available for Essential Small Businesses
The State of Connecticut is distributing free face coverings to essential small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Eligible businesses include those defined as essential by the Department of Economic and Community Development.
Eligible essential small businesses can request up to two free face coverings per employee by filling out the form at ctcovidresponse.org.