Connecticut: State-by-State COVID-19 Guidance

Please note: As of April 15, 2021 we are no longer doing regularly scheduled updates to this page.

April 12, 2021:

On April 12, 2021, Governor Lamont announced the launch of a new state initiative known as the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP). The goal of LEAP is to achieve the following outcomes:

• Bridge students back to their school communities for the final months of the school year;
• Support student enrollment in upcoming summer camps and learning programs; and
• Facilitate a seamless transitions back into school communities for the 2021-2022 school year.

LEAP includes a partnership between the Connecticut State Department of Education and the six state Regional Education Service Centers and will target fifteen school districts throughout Connecticut. The initiative will be funded with $10.7 million of Connecticut’s federal COVID-19 recovery funding.

April 8, 2021:

On April 6, 2021, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 10E, permitting all voters in any election held prior to May 20, 2021 to vote using an absentee ballot. Additionally, the Order provides municipalities and regional boards of education with more flexibility in scheduling budget hearings, meetings, and votes to account for logistical challenges caused by the pandemic.

April 1, 2021:

On March 30, 2021, Governor Lamont and Connecticut Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford announced plans to provide local health departments and their community partners $33.3 million in federal funding to establish outreach, education, and services for minority and traditionally underserved communities as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations. The partnerships will rely on rapid grant funding for local health departments and community organizations. The Connecticut Department of Public Health will issue information regarding grant funding and applications to interested local health departments. Applications will be due by April 15, and grants are expected to be awarded as soon as April 23.

March 29, 2021:

On March 25, 2021, House Bill 6610 was unanimously approved in the Connecticut House of Representatives. This legislation codifies the executive orders issued by Governor Lamont that relax restrictions on outdoor dining at restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bill permits restaurants to continue offering expanded outdoor service to customers through March 31, 2022 and allows municipalities to expedite changes to their zoning rules to expand the availability of outdoor dining and retail. The Bill has been transmitted to the state Senate for a hearing and vote.

On March 26, Governor Lamont announced that his administration will release $210 million in COVID-19 funds to devote to early childhood programs across the state. The plan includes expanding access to childcare, providing grants for struggling childcare businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic, and investing in higher-quality childcare programs.

March 25, 2021:

On March 25, 2021, Governor Lamont announced that the state plans to accelerate its vaccine program due to the speed at which providers have been able to get doses out. As of April 1, 2021, all adults over the age of 16 will be eligible to schedule a vaccine appointment.

March 22, 2021:

On March 19, 2021 Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services announced that it is extending the filing and payment deadline for Connecticut individual income tax returns to May 17, 2021.

March 18, 2021:

On March 18, 2021, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 10D, which relaxes capacity limits for religious or worship gatherings and repeals the state’s mandatory travel advisory and self-quarantine requirements. Effective March 19, religious, spiritual, and worship gatherings will no longer be subject to capacity limits. However, all people present at such gatherings, whether indoor or outdoor, must continue to wear masks and maintain a six-foot distance between members of other households. Additionally, effective as of March 19, travelers to Connecticut will no longer need to quarantine upon arrival.

March 15, 2021:

On March 14, 2021, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 10C, which allows for a continued expansion in access to telehealth services in Connecticut. This Order extends the expiration date of Public Act 20-2, which was adopted by the Connecticut General Assembly in July 2020, to April 20, 2021.

On March 15, 2021 Governor Lamont announced that he is accelerating Connecticut’s age-based rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine so that the vaccine will be available to all adults over the age of sixteen by April 5. Moving forward, Connecticut’s vaccine rollout will proceed on the following schedule:

• March 19: Scheduling opens to all individuals age 45-54.
• April 5 (tentative): Scheduling opens to all individuals age 16-44.

Also on March 15, 2021, Governor Lamont, Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, and members of Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation announced the launch of UniteCT, a new state program to provide rental and utility assistance to qualified households impacted by COVID-19. This program is funded by Connecticut’s $235 million share of the $25 billion Congress appropriated for emergency rental and utility assistance in December’s stimulus package. UniteCT may provide up to $10,000 in rental assistance and up to $1,500 in electric utility arrearage payments to landlords and utility companies on behalf of approved tenants.

Governor Lamont is also proposing Senate Bill 882, which would provide prospective tenants more information about home energy costs.

March 11, 2021:

On March 8, 2021, H.B. No. 6555 was referred to the Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis. This Bill would establish a process for legislative oversight and approval of the allocation of COVID-19 relief funds received from the federal government.

On March 10, 2021, officials announced that the State of Connecticut had reached an agreement with United Illuminating to offer a $46.5 million COVID relief bill credit to decrease and stabilize electric rates until 2023. As part of the agreement, United Illuminating also committed to maintain base distribution rates until at least May 2023 in order to give customers additional clarity. The agreement has been submitted to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for approval.

March 4, 2021:

On March 4, 2021, Governor Lamont announced that he plans to revise some requirements that were implemented in Connecticut at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes, focused on capacity limits and travel restrictions, are as follows:

Beginning March 19, 2021

• All capacity limits will be eliminated for the following businesses:
  • Restaurants (although 8-person table capacity and mandatory 11:00 p.m. closing time for dining rooms continues);
  • Retail;
  • Libraries;
  • Personal services;
  • Indoor recreation (excludes theaters, which must remain at 50% capacity);
  • Gyms and fitness centers;
  • Museums, aquariums, and zoos;
  • Offices; and
  • Houses of worship.
• Gathering sizes are revised to the following:
  • Social gatherings at private residences will have a maximum permitted size of 25 persons indoors and 100 persons outdoors; and
  • Social gatherings at commercial venues – 100 indoors/200 outdoors.
• All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and sports tournaments will be permitted.
• Connecticut’s travel advisory will be modified from a requirement to a recommended guidance.

Beginning March 29, 2021

• Capacity limits on early childhood classes will increase from 16 to 20.

Beginning April 2, 2021

• Outdoor amusement parks can open;
• Outdoor event venues can increase to 50% capacity, capped at 10,000 people;
• Indoor stadiums can open at 10% capacity; and
• Summer camps and festivals are advised to begin planning to open for the upcoming season.

Protocols that will remain in effect until further notice include:

• Face coverings and masks are required;
• Bars that only serve beverages must remain closed;
• 11:00 p.m. closing time for events at venues, restaurants, and entertainment facilities;
• Indoor theaters remain at 50% capacity; and
• Large event venues (such as stadiums) remain closed until April.

February 25, 2021:

As of February 25, 2021, Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut is expected to receive 30,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine next week, pending its approval by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The Governor announced that the state is also expecting 100,000 doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines next week.

According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, 116 of 169 towns and cities in Connecticut are currently in the red zone alert level, the highest of the state’s four levels. The only municipalities in the state that are not in the red zone this week are categorized as follows:

• Orange Alert Level: Bethlehem, Canton, Cheshire, Chester, Coventry, East Granby, East Haddam, East Lyme, Easton, Farmington, Haddam, Hebron, Litchfield, Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, Putnam, Redding, Salisbury, Simsbury, Somers, Southbury, Stafford, Sterling, Weston, Westport, Willington, Winchester, Windsor Locks, and Woodstock;
• Yellow Alert Level: Bolton, Burlington, Granby, Middlefield, Old Lyme, Tolland, and Woodbury; and
• Gray Alert Level: Barkhamsted, Bridgewater, Canaan, Colebrook, Cornwall, Eastford, Franklin, Goshen, Lisbon, Morris, New Hartford, Norfolk, Pomfret, Roxbury, Scotland, and Warren.

On February 24, 2021, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed House Bill 6516 (An Act Mitigating Adverse Tax Consequences Resulting from Employees Working Remotely During COVID-19, and Concerning the Removal of Liens on the Property of Public Assistance Beneficiaries and a Three-Tiered Grants in Lieu of Taxes Program). The Bill must next be approved by the State Senate.

February 24, 2021:

On February 24, 2021 Governor Lamont announced that his administration has filed an objection to motions under consideration at the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) that would begin allowing for the disconnection of customers for non-payment. The plans were submitted by Eversource Energy and the United Illuminating Company and would effectively terminate the shut-off moratorium that was put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shut-off moratorium has provided important financial relief to those affected by the virus and contributes to significant social and health benefits. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, “moratoria on utility disconnections reduce[d] COVID-19 infections by 4.4 percent and mortality rates by 7.4 percent.”

In its objection, made through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the administration argues that disconnections should not resume until additional protections for struggling ratepayers are in place. The administration specifically noted that many ratepayers will soon be eligible for some level of assistance from the federal government, which has designated more than $200 million to Connecticut to assist renters with rent and utility payments. The administration also stated that PURA should consider extending repayment terms beyond 24 months for the COVID-19 Repayment Plan.

February 23, 2021:

On February 19, 2021, Governor Lamont announced his administration will be partnering with Health Equity Solutions on an outreach program aimed at ensuring as many people as possible have access to information about the COVID-19 vaccine. This program is particularly focused on reaching communities that have historically been disproportionately impacted by limited access to health care. Health Equity Solutions developed a plan to reach over 10,000 people of color living in Connecticut over a three-month span and has already started outreach to community members through events and webinars.

February 22, 2021:

On February 22, 2021, Governor Lamont announced that the state will continue to prioritize vaccine eligibility based on age. Ninety-six percent of COVID-19 deaths in Connecticut have occurred in people over the age of 55, and Governor Lamont believes the current age-based approach to be the most equitable and efficient means administering the vaccine. The planned schedule for age-based eligibility is as follows:

• March 1, 2021: Expands to age group 55 to 64
• March 22, 2021: Expands to age group 45 to 54
• April 12, 2021: Expands to age group 35 to 44
• May 3, 2021: Expands to age group 16 to 34

So far, the state has vaccinated 70 percent of the population age 75 and over and 37 percent of the population between the ages of 65 and 74.

In the coming days, the state’s Department of Public Health, per the direction of Governor Lamont, will be setting numerical targets related to vaccine administration in high-risk communities. Further, preK-12 school staff and teachers, as well as professional childcare providers, will be eligible for vaccination in March. Information regarding vaccine scheduling for educators and childcare professionals will come directly from school administrators/employers soon.

February 18, 2021:

As of February 11, 2021, Connecticut has entered phase 1b of its vaccination program, and residents over the age of 65 are able to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments. As of February 18, 29% of Connecticut’s 65-and-over population has been vaccinated. Residents can exercise several different options to schedule an appointment:

• Call Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224, seven days a week, from 8:00am to 8:00pm for scheduling at select sites.
• Schedule directly with a vaccine provider:
  • CVS Pharmacy        
  • Hartford Healthcare
  • Middlesex Health    
  • Stamford Health      
  • Walgreens    
  • Walmart        
  • Yale New Haven Health    
• Visit the Vaccine Administration Management System to schedule with various providers across the state, including:
  • Bristol Health
  • Griffin Health
  • Nuvance Health
  • Trinity Health of New England

On February 18, 2021, Governor Ned Lamont held a news briefing to provide an update on COVID-19. To date, Connecticut has administered 504,129 first doses and 242,759 second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Governor Lamont further announced, alongside Mohegan Tribe and Yale New Haven Health, that a large-scale community vaccination site will be opening at Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo & Convention Center as of February 19. The site will provide vaccinations by appointment only.

Currently, based on the Connecticut Department of Health’s weekly COVID-19 Alert Map, 138 of 169 municipalities are in the red zone alert level. Red indicates case rates over the last two weeks of greater than 15 per 100,000 population. Of the municipalities in non-red zones, alert levels are as follows:

• Orange (between 10 to 14 cases per 100,000 population): Bethany, Canton, Deep River, Essex, Farmington, Goshen, Granby, Haddam, Hebron, Kent, Lebanon, New Hartford, Old Lyme, Portland, Sherman, Southbury, and Winchester.
• Yellow (between 5 and 9 per 100,000 population): Pomfret, Redding, Salisbury, and Woodbury.
• Gray (rates lower than five per 100,000 population): Barkhamsted, Bridgewater, Canaan, Cornwall, Eastford, Franklin, Hartland, Norfolk, Scotland, and Warren.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in the state, residents can subscribe to text message alerts by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

February 11, 2021:

On February 10, 2021, Gov. Ned Lamont signed Executive Order 10A, which extended most COVID-19 related emergency measures, including the Statewide Eviction Moratorium, until April 21, 2021. However, civil liabilities protections for health care that were previously in effect will expire on March 1, 2021, absent any further action from Lamont or the legislature. Lamont had previously signed an executive order that protected health care providers from civil liability for injuries or death in relation to COVID-19 as long as the providers were acting in good faith. Based on E.O. 10A, those protections will expire at the end of the month.

February 8, 2021:

On February 4, 2021, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 10 to extend some forms COVID-19 relief and relax certain existing restrictions. Specifically, the order does the following:

• Excludes all COVID-related stimulus payments from state benefit eligibility calculations.
• Suspends certain filing requirements for reapplying for tax relief programs, including biannual filing requirements for the state’s veterans tax relief program and documentation requirements for maintaining eligibility for Homeowners’ tax relief programs.
• Allows commuter lots to be used for COVID-19 vaccination and testing efforts.
• Postpones a new fee structure for alcohol licenses imposed by a state law passed in 2019 scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2020 until April 20, 2021.
• Requires local and regional boards of education to continue to provide two weeks of paid leave (or equivalent) for school district employees who missed work for the following reasons:
  • They were self-quarantining due to COVID-19;
  • The school closed because someone at the school was exposed;
  • They were caring for someone subject to quarantine;
  • They were diagnosed with COVID-19;
  • They experienced COVID-19 symptoms and sought medical attention; or
  • They were required to care for a child whose school or place of care was closed or unavailable due to COVID-19.
• Ends the attendance cap on religious gatherings and maintains the capacity limit for these gatherings at 50 percent, effective immediately. All other health and safety measures, such as social distancing and face coverings, are still required.
• Permits all voters in any special election or municipal primary held prior to April 20, 2021 to vote via absentee ballot.

January 28, 2021:

On January 26, 2021, Gov. Ned Lamont renewed the State of Emergency relating to COVID-19 until April 20, 2021.

January 20, 2021:

Governor Lamont announced that the state will proceed with Phase 1b vaccinations in a tiered rollout, with different groups able to schedule their vaccinations in February or March, depending on the prioritization of specific groups.

At Lamont’s direction, State of Connecticut Department of Public Health has begun accepting appointments to vaccinate those individuals over the age of 75. However, it will not start taking vaccination appointments for those between the age of 65 and 75 until early February. After that, the state anticipates accepting reservations for frontline essential workers and individuals below 65 with underlying medical issues in early March.

The state also intends to vaccinate staff and residents of congregate living settings but has not yet said how those grounds will be incorporated into the tiered approach.

January 14, 2021:

Governor Lamont announced on January 14, 2021 that the state has started accepting reservations by those 75 and older to receive initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while also expanding the group eligible for vaccines under the state’s Phase 1b rollout.

Those 75 and older can either contact their healthcare provided, reserve an appointment at the state’s online portal, or call the state’s vaccine hotline - 877-918-2224 – to make an appointment to receive the vaccine.

While those in the 75+ age group can already begin making appointments, Phase 1b, which begins on January 18, 2020, will also include availability for those between front-line essential workers, those working and living in “congregate” settings, those between 65-75 years of age, and those between 16 and 64 who have other illnesses or conditions who are more at risk from COVID-19. The last two groups were added on the recommendation of a state subcommittee that met on January 12, 2020.

Essential front-line workers now include the following groups:

• Healthcare personnel not included in Phase 1a
• First responders
• Agricultural workers, including farmworkers
• Food service and restaurants
• U.S. Postal Service workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Grocery store & pharmacy workers
• Public transit workers
• Food banks and meal delivery services for the elderly
• Education and child-care workers
• Solid waste and wastewater workers
• Inspectors working on site in the above locations
• Frontline public and social services

Congregate facilities include the following:

• halfway homes,
• inpatient mental health facilities,
• corrections facilities,
• homeless shelters,
• domestic violence shelters,
• substance use and residential treatment facilities

The groups encompass more than 1.3 million Connecticut residents; the state expects to receive approximately 46,000 doses of the vaccine each week from the federal government.

For more information on Phase 1b vaccinations, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.

January 12, 2021:

Connecticut’s vaccination phases are as follows:

1a. (Current Stage) Vaccines are available for:

• health care personnel – All persons “serving” in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct and indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. Excludes those involved in telehealth services.
• long term care residents—those in nursing homes.
• medical first responder -

1b. (Vaccination of 75+ individuals expected to begin January 18) Vaccines are available for:

• Front-line “essential” workers; subcommittee recommending rollout groups to Gov. Ned Lamont have so far considered front-line “essential workers” as First responders (fire, police, ambulance, criminal investigation, etc.), transportation and delivery workers, teachers and school staff, manufacturing workers, Department of Corrections employees, and Food and Agriculture Workers (farmers, loggers, grocery store workers).
• Individuals and staff in “congregate settings” – prisons, homeless shelters, group homes, etc.
• Individuals over 75 years of age.

1c. Not yet explicitly defined, but proposed category would include:

• Individuals between 65-74
• Other essential workers
• Those 16-64 with other medical conditions that make them at risk for COVID-19.

Up-to-date information on vaccines can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination---Phases.

December 28, 2020:

On December 23, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 9T, which extends the state’s moratorium on residential evictions until February 9, 2021. As such, no “notices to quit” shall be issued before February 9, 2020 except for the following:

• Nonpayment of rent due on or prior to February 29, 2020.
• “Serious nonpayment of rent,” which is defined as an average of six months’ rent after March 1, 2020, excluding all other costs or fees.
• “Serious Nuisance,” which is defined as threats of bodily harm on the landlord or conduct that threatens the safety of other tenants or the landlord, prostitution or sale of drugs on the premises, or willful destruction of the premises.
• Or due to the intention of the landlord to use the premises as landlord’s principal residence

The order also renews an earlier provision allowing residents who have security deposits in excess of one month’s rent to apply that to rent due after October 2020.

December 21, 2020:

On December 18, Governor Lamont has issued Executive Order 9S, which clarifies the state’s travel restrictions and exemptions.

The orders now say that, effective December 19, those traveling to Connecticut from anywhere other than New York, New Jersey or Rhode Island must quarantine for 10 days when arriving in the state. Previously, the quarantine applied to every state in the United States except for New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island, but did not concern international travel.

There are now three exceptions to the quarantine rule. Travelers who meet any of the following criteria are exempt from the requirements of the order:

• Travelers who have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to, or after, arrival in Connecticut.
• Travelers who are classified as essential workers and are traveling to the state for work-related reasons.
• Travelers who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days and have clinically recovered or have not had symptoms for 10 days after the onset of initial symptoms. If the traveler tested positive, but had no symptoms for 10 days afterward, they may be exempted by submitting their test result to the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health.

December 17, 2020:

On December 17, 2020, Gov. Ned Lamont issued Executive Order 9R, which provides COVID-19-related suspension of normal tax collection deadlines and additional measures regarding assessor certification program requirements and alcohol sales by caterers. Under the order:

• Provides an extension of a deferment and low-interest rate program for all municipal tax payments due and payable on January 1, 2021. Under the deferment program, taxpayers, businesses, nonprofits and residents who attest to adverse impacts as a result of COVID-19 are granted a grace period on tax payments through April 1, 2021. Under the low-interest rate program, any taxes not paid will be subject to an interest rate of three percent through March 31, 2021. After that date, normal penalties and interest rates on unpaid municipal taxes will apply.
• The annual assessor certification program is suspended for the remaining duration of the public health emergency.
• Caterers will be allowed to sell closed-containers of alcoholic beverages, including mixed drinks, for use at off-site premise private and special events, including remote events.

On December 17, Gov. Lamont also informed municipalities that he’d be increasing COVID-19 aid funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The state Office of Policy and Management will be moving another $45.5 million to reimburse municipalities for COVID-19 expenses. The town-by-town allocation of funds is located here.

December 9, 2020:

The State Department of Social Services announced an additional 16.9 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be provided to eligible households as part of the continuing emergency aid from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The benefits will go to households who have not received the maximum eligible benefit amount, which would benefit approximately 112,000 households.

December 7, 2020:

On December 4, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 9P, which made changes to the eligibility for the Lost Wages Assistance program and certain state administered licensure exams.

Under the order, those who had not exhausted unemployment benefits but received less than $100 in weekly benefits from July 26 to September 5 would have that amount raised to $100 a week in order to be eligible for federal Lost Wages Assistance. The program provided weekly supplemental payments of up to $400 in addition to unemployment benefits.

In addition, the order allows the Department of Public Health to offer only two of its normal four licensure examinations for subsurface sewage installers, one of which may be offered remotely.

On December 7, Governor Lamont also signed Executive Order 9Q, which allows certain procedures for administration of COVID and influenza vaccinations.

The order authorizes licensed pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccinations authorized by the FDA to adult patients and those over the age of 10, and flu vaccines to kids between the ages 10 and 17. Pharmacists who administer the flu vaccine to those under 18 must report those vaccines electronically to the state’s immunization registry.

The order also caps the amount that health care providers may charge those with out-of-network health insurance plans to avoid out-of-pocket costs to the policy holder. If the provider does not have a negotiated rate with the insurance company, it must accept payments by the insurer equal to that which would normally be charged under Medicare.

December 3, 2020:

On December 1, 2020, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 90, which allows more flexibility in government and charitable functions to prevent the spread COVID-19. The order allows:

• The Department of Education to suspend the requirement that school districts request a waiver to hire short-term substitute teachers without a bachelor’s degree.
• Charitable organizations to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption as part of virtual fundraising efforts.
• Resumption of certain normal deadlines, time requirements and other statutorily set deadlines for state court procedures by December 15, 2020, at the latest.

November 30, 2020:

On November 24, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 9N, which increases fines for businesses who violate the state’s COVID-19 sector rules and capacity limits to $10,000 per violation. Those sector rules, which are currently set to “Phase 2.1,” impose a series of capacity limits, spacing requirements and limits on hours of operation on various businesses and organizations. All sector rules and regulations have been posted to the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development website.

November 23, 2020:

On November 20, 2020, Gov. Ned Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9M, which makes several regulatory changes regarding education, sports and liquor permits. The order:

• Allows the commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development to establish all mandatory safety rules to all sports operating during the pandemic.
• Extends permit renewal periods for liquor sales associated with airports, sporting events and universities such that existing permits would expire on February 9, 2021 and allows refunds for renewal fees that have already been paid for those renewals.
• Extends the time frame for plumbers and electricians to earn continuing education credit, through all means including online learning, to February 9, 2021. The time period for renewing their licenses will remain in place according to existing deadlines.

November 10, 2020:

On November 5, 2020, Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order 9K, returning the state to Phase 2 restrictions on public gatherings and business occupancy. The order does a number of things to accomplish this:

• Repeals Executive Order 9G, which gave municipalities the authority to institute stricter public gathering rules than those set by the state.
• Returns the entire state to Phase II restrictions, which limits indoor religious gatherings and graduation ceremonies to 50 percent of the building’s capacity or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is lower. Outdoor religious gatherings are only limited to the number of people that the particular venue can safely accommodate, provided that everyone present wears masks, unless speaking from a designated safe location, and that social distancing of six feet is maintained.
• Allows the Department of Economic Community Development to set rules for the safe administration of youth sports.
• Allows the Department of Economic Community Development to set earlier, mandatory closing times for any business or establishment.
• Extends rules regarding the expansion of outdoor dining and prohibitions on the sale of alcohol by certain permittees without food.

On November 9, 2020, Lamont issued Executive Order 9L, which extended all unexpired COVID-19 Executive Orders—as well as agency and municipal orders that are enacted as a result of the state’s declaration of a public emergency— until February 9, 2021. However, this extension does not apply to those dates listed in Executive Order 9E, which put in place eviction moratoriums until January 1, 2021 and the expiration of café permits on February 9, 2021.

October 28, 2020:

On October 27, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 9I which modifies the state’s previously issued self-quarantine and travel advisory order for people arriving to Connecticut from impacted states. The new order specifies that travelers returning from New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island are no longer subject to a mandatory quarantine and testing protocol; those states are no longer treated as “affected states” as those states have agreed to coordinate COVID-19 travel advisories with Connecticut.

October 27, 2020:

On October 27, 2020, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 9I which modifies the state’s previously issued self-quarantine and travel advisory order for people arriving to Connecticut from impacted states. The new order specifies that travelers returning from New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island are no longer subject to a mandatory quarantine and testing protocol; those states are no longer treated as “affected states” as those states have agreed to coordinate COVID-19 travel advisories with Connecticut.

On September 16, 2020, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9C which modifies the state’s previously issued self-quarantine and travel advisory order for people arriving to Connecticut from impacted states, expanding the testing exemption to all travelers who test negative for COVID-19 in the 72 hours prior to arrival and those who test negative after arrival.

The order also allows municipalities, districts and water pollution control authorities to resume non-judicial tax sales.

On September 25, 2020, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9D which extended the ban on off-premises alcohol sales without food by certain establishments until November 9, 2020. It also extended contracting flexibility related to the Student Data Privacy Act until January 31, 2020.

On September 30, 2020 Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9E which extended the state’s eviction moratorium until January 1, 2021, with amendments. The amendments specify that no “Notice to Quit” shall be issued before January 1, 2020 except for the following:

• Nonpayment of rent prior due on or prior to February 29, 2020.
• “Serious nonpayment of rent,” which is defined as an average of six months rent after March 1, 2020, excluding all other costs or fees.
• “Serious Nuisance,” which is defined as threats of bodily harm on the landlord or conduct that threatens the safety of other tenants or the landlord, prostitution or sale of drugs on the premises, or willful destruction of the premises.
• Or due to the intention of the landlord to use the premises as landlord’s principal residence.

Any notices to quit issued before January 1, 2021 must come with the CDC Declaration regarding the “Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19.” The order also extended café liquor permits at certain establishments set to expire prior to February 8, 2021. Any permits in this date range will not expire until February 9, 2021.

On October 8, 2020 Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9F which restricted religious or spiritual gatherings, if held indoors, to no more than 50 percent of the building’s capacity or 200 people, whichever is lower. Those services held outside may continue provided participants wear masks, unless speaking from safely designated locations, and participants maintain social distancing of six feet. Previous provisions regarding drive-in religious and graduation ceremonies remain in place.

Furthermore, on October 8, 2020, Connecticut shifted to “Phase 3” reopening of businesses and gatherings. The following, less-restrictive measures, are in place during Phase 3:

• Restaurant, Personal Services and Libraries may return to 75 percent capacity indoors, though restaurants and personal services must maintain proper social distancing measures.
• Outdoor event venues, private recreational gatherings at commercial facilities, religious indoor events and indoor graduations may occur with 50 percent capacity or a specific cap on attendees (Religious/graduation events are capped at 200 people; private indoor social gatherings at commercial venues are capped at 100 people.)
• Private gatherings at residences remain capped at 25 people.

On October 13, 2020, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9G which allows municipalities to revert to more restrictive size and capacity rules for businesses and gatherings if that municipality posts an average of 15 cases or more a day over a 14-day reporting period. Once this threshold is reached, the municipality may elect to restore restrictions in place prior to October 8, 2020 by the Department of Economic and Community Development (so called Phase 2) rules. The difference between Phase 2 and Phase 3 rules can be found here.

October 21, 2020:

On October 20, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 9H, which specifies that all municipal boards, committees, agencies, councils or local legislative bodies may operate their public meetings remotely, either in full or in part. This means not only that these public meetings may allow public comment through the use of remote participation by the public, but also that no member of any such municipal body may be denied the ability to vote and participate in the meeting remotely, if they request to do so.

Furthermore, the order modifies the state’s eviction moratorium to provide a technical correction specifying that the moratorium and its exceptions apply specifically to residential notices of eviction. It also removes previously included language that specified landlords must cease all action to evict upon receipt of a CDC Declaration by a tenant.

September 15, 2020:

On September 15, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9B which enacts the following provisions:

• Amendments to mandatory self-quarantine for travelers from states with high COVID-19 levels: Modifies the state’s previously issued self-quarantine and travel advisory order for people arriving to Connecticut from impacted states, expanding the testing exemption to all travelers who test negative for COVID-19 in the 72 hours prior to arrival. This takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2020.
• Authorization for the issuance of fines: Authorizes the commissioner of Public Health, local health departments, municipal chief elected officers, and state and local police to issue fines for violations of certain COVID-19 protective measures. These include:
  • A fine of $100 for an person who fails to wear a mask or cloth face covering as required under Executive Order No. 7NNN;
  • A fine of $500 for any person or business entity who organizes, hosts, or sponsors a gathering that violates the gathering size restrictions set forth in the DECD Rules for Gatherings and Venues and Sector Rules for Outdoor Events; and
  • A fine of $250 for any person who attends a gathering that violates the gathering size restrictions set forth in the DECD Rules for Gatherings and Venues and Sector Rules for Outdoor Events.
• Repeal of executive orders extending liquor permittee credit period: Repeals Executive Order No. 7OOO, Section 2 and Executive Order No. 7S, Section 3 effective September 17, 2020, returning to normal statutory provisions.

The regional travel advisory between Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York that directs incoming travelers from states with a significant community spread of COVID-19 to self-quarantine for a 14-day period was updated: Puerto Rico was added to the list, and California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ohio were removed.

September 8, 2020:

On September 4, Governor Lamont passed Executive Order No. 9 which took the following actions:

• Allowed Commissioners of Early Childhood and Education to issue operational rules, and
• Extended the prohibition on sale of alcohol by certain permittees without the sale of food.

On September 8, Governor Lamont passed Executive Order No. 9A which took the following actions:

• Reissued and extended COVID-19 executive orders to November 9, 2020; and
• Extended agency and municipality orders of concurrent duration with public health and civil preparedness emergencies.

The regional travel advisory between Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York that directs incoming travelers from states with a significant community spread of COVID-19 to self-quarantine for a 14-day period was updated and now includes Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia on the list of impacted locations. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been removed from the list.

September 1, 2020:

On September 1, Governor Lamont Renewed COVID 19 Emergency Declarations. Governor Lamont authorized and directed the Commissioner of Public Health to delegate the powers regarding isolation or quarantine to municipal and district directors of public health, while concurrently retaining such authority.

August 31, 2020:

On August 28, the Connecticut Judicial Branch announced that some court operations will resume at the following locations on Tuesday, September 8:

• Geographical Area No. 23 Courthouse at New Haven, 121 Elm Street
• Juvenile Matters at New Haven, 239 Whalley Avenue
• Juvenile Matters at Waterford, 978 Hartford Turnpike
• Juvenile Matters at Willimantic, 81 Columbia Avenue

A range of civil, criminal, family, and juvenile proceedings are being processed both by remote technology and within courthouses. Individuals entering a court facility must wear a face mask covering their mouth and nose. In addition, to allow for social distancing, the number of people allowed into a courthouse, courtroom, office, lobby, or corridor may be limited.

August 27, 2020:

On August 27, the Connecticut Department of Public Health announced that it has issued citations against two nursing homes – one in Hartford and one in Hamden – for violating Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7AAA, which requires nursing homes to test staff and residents weekly for COVID-19. In each case, the nursing homes failed to properly implement the testing policy, under which all staff and residents are required to be tested for COVID-19 weekly until the facility records 14 days of testing with no new positive cases. Testing is being 100 percent funded by state and federal dollars through October 31, 2020.

August 24, 2020:

On August 21, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No 7OOO which took the following actions:

• Extended expanded outdoor dining
• Modified the extension of 30-day period of credit for liquor permittees
• Extended eviction moratorium
• Resumed certain requirements and deadlines regarding civil and family matters

August 19, 2020:

On August 19, Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut has completed over 1 million COVID-19 tests. This is due in part from Governor Lamont’s allocation of at least $250 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to support testing.

August 18, 2020:

As of August 18, Connecticut’s travel advisory has been updated. Anyone travelling from the states listed must self-quarantine for 14 days and complete a form upon returning. Failure to comply with the order may result in a $1,000 penalty.

• Alaska and Delaware have been added to the list.
• Washington state has been removed.

August 17, 2020:

On August 14, Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz, in her capacity as acting governor and at the request of Governor Lamont, issued Executive Order No. 7NNN. This Order:

• Repeals Executive Order No. 7BB, Section 1 and replaces it with a similar provision which requires anyone declining to wear a mask or face covering because of a medical condition to have documentation of such condition. The order contains provisions for those with disabilities to obtain such documentation without facing a significant burden.
• Permits the Commissioner of DECD to issue or amend Sector Rules to establish size limits for private gatherings of people who do not live in the same household, regardless of whether such gathering has been organized by a business.

August 11, 2020:

On August 10, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7MMM. The Order clarifies several administrative steps in the management of absentee ballots for the August 11, 2020 primary election.

August 10, 2020:

On August 7, Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut has been approved to receive an extension of its full federal funding for its use of the National Guard in the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, the President approved the state to receive full federal reimbursement for all costs associated with activating the Guard in support of the state’s emergency response operations.

The Guard has helped with the erection of mobile field hospitals, delivery and distribution of millions of pieces of personal protective equipment, nursing home inspections and support, and testing kit assembly and collection. That original agreement, set to expire August 21, is extended through September 30.

On August 6, Governor Lamont announced that the state will continue covering the costs of COVID-19 tests at long-term care facilities for at least an additional two months. In June, the Governor signed an executive order mandating that all staff at these facilities receive weekly testing until there are no new COVID-19 positive test results for 14 days, with the state covering all costs of the tests for those not covered under Medicare Part B/Medicare Advantage. The order was originally effective through August 31 and this will extend the coverage through October 31.

On August 6, Governor Lamont announced additional coronavirus relief funding to assist Connecticut school districts will fall operations. The state will grant an additional $160 million in funding to help school districts open safely. The funds are reserved to assist districts with necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency (during the period of March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020), which were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020. These funds will complement the $15 million already committed from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) and $111 million from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds, bringing the total funding for Connecticut schools to $266 million.

August 5, 2020:

On August 4, Governor Lamont announced that the Connecticut Department of Social Services will be providing an additional $16.4 million in Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits. The benefits will be distributed to SNAP participants on August 14 and will go to over 108,200 households not currently receiving the maximum benefits allowed for their household size.

August 4, 2020:

As of August 4, Connecticut’s travel advisory has been updated. Anyone travelling from the states listed must self-quarantine for 14 days and complete a form upon returning. Failure to comply with the order may result in a $1,000 penalty.

• Rhode Island was added, making it the only state in New England on the list.
• Delaware and Washington DC were removed from the list.

On August 3, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and State Department of Education (SDE) released a framework and key metrics to guide school districts in their decisions about remote vs. in-person learning for the fall.

August 3, 2020:

On July 30, Governor Lamont announced that the Department of Housing and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority launched a new website to support COVID-19 housing assistance. The website helps manage the eligibility and screening process for new programs:

• The Temporary Rental Housing Assistance Programs (TRHAP) offers rental assistance; and
• the Temporary Mortgage Assistance Program (T-MAP) offers mortgage assistance for those struggling to pay their housing costs due to the job loss, reduction of work, furlough, or closing of business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The programs have $10 million each to assist people struggling with housing costs.

On July 28, Governor Lamont and Department of Public Health (DPH) Acting Commissioner announced that youth sports teams who travel to states on the Connecticut travel advisory list must cancel practices and competitions for the 14 days following their return to Connecticut. Failure to comply may result in a $1,000 penalty.

July 30, 2020:

On July 28, Governor Lamont announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a 30-day extension of the non-congregate sheltering authorization under the FEMA Public Assistance program. The approval, originally set to expire August 1, 2020, is now extended until September 1, 2020. The program provides non-congregate housing to certain high-risk individuals.

July 29, 2020:

On July 28, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7LLL which amends Executive Order No. 7G, Section 2. Under this order, requirements and deadlines in child protective matters are resumed.

On July 28, Governor Lamont announced the launch of the Everyone Learns initiative. Under this initiative, $43.5 million will be invested in remote learning solutions for students, providing:

• 50,000 laptops for students;
• 12 months of access to at-home internet for 60,000 students;
• public hotspots free to the public at 200 community sites across the state; and
• social emotional learning content to school districts statewide.

July 28, 2020:

As of July 28, Connecticut's travel advisory was expanded. Included in the advisory is:

• a total of 34 states, with Illinois, Kentucky and Minnesota being the newest additions;
• Washington DC; and
• Puerto Rico.

On July 27, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles announced extended deadlines for residents with expiring credentials. This includes:

• Eligible DMV credentials that expire between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are automatically covered by this extension.
• Late fees associated with eligible expired credentials will be waived during the extension for qualifying credentials.
• Deadlines for numerous DMV-related items are extended by 90 days.

July 27, 2020:

On July 24, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7JJJ. This Order creates a rebuttable presumption that workers who contracted COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic contracted it on the job and are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

On July 24, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development announced updates to the state’s industry-specific rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. These updates go into effect immediately.

July 23, 2020:

On July 22, Governor Lamont announced that the State of Connecticut received an additional extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through August 19 for approval to apply for reimbursement for statewide emergency feeding efforts. This extension helps to provide continued food support for individuals infected or exposed to COVID-19 that require isolation and quarantine but not hospitalization; individuals who are asymptomatic but are at high risk, such as people over 65 or those who have certain underlying health conditions; and individuals who do not have the resources to prepare or obtain meals, are facing food insecurity, and are not eligible for other public nutrition programs.

July 22, 2020:

On July 21, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7III which repeals Executive Order No. 7BBB, Section 1. Under the new order:

• Travelers from states with high COVID-19 infection levels must self-quarantine upon entry to Connecticut and complete a form upon entering the state. Failure to comply with the order may result in a $1,000 penalty.
• 31 states that meet the criteria under this order: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
• The commissioner of the Department of Motor vehicles may extend statutory or regulatory deadlines pertaining to matters under her jurisdiction for 90 days.

On July 17, Governor Lamont issued a proclamation that calls for the Connecticut General Assembly to meet in special session beginning Tuesday, July 21 to discuss legislation on the upcoming election, transparency in law enforcement, relaxed restrictions on telehealth services, and affordable access to medical resources.

On July 15, Governor Lamont announced that he has submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to extend support for the Connecticut National Guard’s statewide response to the COVID-19 pandemic through December 31, 2020.

July 15, 2020:

On July 14, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7HHH. Under the new order:

• The Department of Public Health is authorized to temporarily suspend the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration for certain out-of-state healthcare providers in order to supplement the state’s ability to respond to the pandemic.

July 13, 2020:

On July 9, Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut schools are on track to reopen in the fall.

• Department of Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona said the state is considering three scenarios for the upcoming school year: a full opening, a hybrid of online and in-person participation, and distance learning only.
• By July 24, school districts are required to develop plans for a full reopening this fall as well as plans for students who choose to continue learning remotely at home.
• The State Dept. of Education’s reopening plan is publicly available.

Connecticut’s travel advisory order is still in effect for 19 states. While New York announced on July 13 that it will impose fines and penalties upon those in violation of the travel restrictions, Governor Lamont said that enforcement remains voluntary in Connecticut.

July 9, 2020:

On July 9, the State Dept. of Education released its plan to reopen schools following coronavirus-related closures.

• While an exact reopening date is not provided, the plan directs local education agencies (LEAs) to have all students, in all districts, return to school for full-time instruction at the beginning of the 2020-21 fall semester.
• Parents and students may temporarily choose not to attend in-person classes at their discretion, so LEAs must develop temporary support options for students who continue learning remotely at home.
• Schools are required to designate an employee to serve as a COVID-19 Health and Safety Compliance Liaison.

July 8, 2020:

On July 7, Governor Lamont modified the out-of-state travel order. Under the modifications:

• Delaware, Kansas, and Oklahoma have been added to the list of out-of-state travelers that will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey.
• The out-of-state travel order remains in effect for Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
• On July 7, Governor Lamont announced that there were no coronavirus-related deaths for the first time since March 2020.

July 7, 2020:

On July 6, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7FFF.

• The new order modifies the number of service hours required to be provided by certain group homes and the requirement that group homes perform semi-annual times studies of their services in order to receive monthly Medicaid payments.
• Connecticut remains in Phase 2 of its reopening, with Phase 3 scheduled to begin later this month.

July 6, 2020:

Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7EEE on June 30. Under the new order:

• The Department of Social Services and various other state agencies are given increased authority to disburse additional aid to healthcare institutions as part of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF).
• Online continuing education is provided for electricians and plumbers.

Connecticut remains in Phase 2 of its reopening, with Phase 3 scheduled to begin later this month.

• Bars in outdoor spaces can now reopen if serving food, subject to the general Phase 2 restrictions. Indoor bars and bars without food services are closed until late July or later.
• State-run campgrounds and campsites will reopen July 8.
• State beaches are open, but subject to capacity restrictions. Town beaches are partially open, but many are limited to residents only.

July 1, 2020:

Governor Lamont is reconsidering the guidelines for Phase 3 of the state’s economic reopening plan.

• Phase 3, which was set to begin in mid-July, allowed bars to reopen.
• In light of recent outbreaks across the country, Governor Lamont indicated that indoor restaurant and bars may not reopen as originally planned.
• Connecticut’s travel advisory order, Executive Order 7BBB, remains in effect for California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

June 30, 2020:

On June 30, California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Tennessee were added to Connecticut’s travel advisory order, Executive Order 7BBB.

• Pursuant to the order, all travelers entering Connecticut from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or higher than a 10% test positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average, must self-quarantine for 14 days.
• The order also remains in effect for Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

On June 29, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 7DDD. Under the new order:

• Residential renters affected by COVID-19 were provided additional protections. No notice to quit for nonpayment of rent or service of summary process may be delivered to renters until after August 22. The opportunity to apply any security deposit in excess of one month’s rent toward rent due in April, May, June, July, or August 2020 has also been extended.
• State officials, such as department heads, agency heads, and commissioners, are authorized to extend all statutory and regulatory deadlines, requirements, and limitations for 90 days, provided such extension is reasonably necessary to respond to COVID-19 and granted prior to September 9, 2020.

June 29, 2020:

On June 29, Governor Lamont announced his plan to distribute $33 million in additional financial assistance for renters, homeowners, and residential landlords. Under the plan:

• A rental assistance program for residents impacted by COVID-19 will receive $10 million to make rent payments to landlords on behalf of impacted renters.
• A mortgage relief program for homeowners impacted by COVID-19 whose mortgages are not federally insured will receive $10 million.
• $5 million will go toward an eviction protection program for those who were in the process of eviction before COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency.
• $4 million will be used as rapid rehousing funds to help people pay costs like security deposits and initial rent to exit homelessness to housing.
• The residential eviction moratorium is extended to August 25.

Executive Order 7BBB, which was issued June 24 by Governor Lamont, remains in effect. Under this order, travelers coming from out-of-state COVID-19 hotspots are still required to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Connecticut. As of June 29, the order applies to Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

June 24, 2020:

On June 24, Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut, along with New Jersey and New York, will now require visitors from COVID-19 hotspots to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering the state.

• The quarantine will apply to any state where 10 of every 100,000 people test positive on a rolling seven-day basis, or where the positivity rate in the total population is 10 percent, also on a seven-day rolling basis.
• Currently, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah, and Texas meet that threshold.

June 23, 2020:

On Tuesday, June 23, Governor Lamont held a press conference to announce the reopening of certain in-person DMV services which have been unavailable since March.

On Monday, June 22, Governor Lamont held a press conference to provide a daily coronavirus update.

• Connecticut now has the third lowest rate of coronavirus transmission of any U.S. state. On June 22, 27 individuals tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 45,782 cases. There were 3 COVID-19-associated deaths.
• Given the recent travel-associated outbreaks in other states, Governor Lamont is considering a fourteen-day isolation for people traveling into Connecticut from other states.

June 22, 2020:

Phase 2 of Connecticut's Reopening Plan began on June 17, 2020. As part of Phase 2, the following modifications have been implemented:

• Most businesses allowed to reopen under Phase 2 have a capacity limit of 50%.
• All businesses subject to the Phase 2 reopening rules are required to self-certify prior to re-opening. If a business already self-certified during Phase 1, the business will not need to certify again during Phase 2. A business may verify self-certification status with this searchable list.
• Restaurants are allowed to reopen indoor areas at 50% capacity and operate outdoor areas at 100% capacity (subject to municipal approval). Bar areas must remain closed until Phase 3.
• Hotels and lodging providers are allowed to reopen. Museums, zoos, and aquariums can reopen indoor areas, subject to applicable capacity limitations.
• Gyms, sports clubs, and fitness centers that do not provide organized sports can reopen at 50% capacity. Six feet is required between equipment and people if customers are required to wear masks; if masks are optional, 12 feet of distance is required for vigorous exercises.
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people.
• Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks) can operate at 25% of fire capacity and must implement social distancing.
• Restrictions were also lifted on social clubs, amusement parks, libraries, and personal services. More sector-specific guidance can be found here.
• Phase 3 of Connecticut's Reopen Plan will be announced soon and is anticipated to begin in mid-July.

On June 17, 2020, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7AAA, which enacts the following provisions:

• Technical correction to Executive Order No. 7ZZ, Section 8: Clarifies that Executive Order No. 7F, Sections 3 through 5 remain in effect.
• Authority to modify limitation on group sizes in child care: Allows the commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood to increase permissible total numbers of children that a child care facility may serve in one space and in one facility.
• Waiver of requirement to hold annual agricultural fair and reporting requirement to maintain agricultural society property tax exemption: Allows agricultural and horticultural societies to continue to receive certain tax benefits without conducting a required annual agricultural fair.
• Mandatory COVID-19 testing for staff of private and municipal nursing home facilities, managed residential communities, and assisted living services agencies: Modifies the mandatory staff testing program for staff at nursing homes and other congregate settings to set conditions for testing to cease after 14 consecutive days without a positive case and to require resumed testing if any staff member or resident tests positive.

June 16, 2020:

On June 16, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7ZZ enacts the following actions:

• Modifications to adapt to Phase 2 reopening efforts: In preparation for Phase 2 of Connecticut’s reopening efforts, which begins June 17, 2020, the executive order makes modifications to several previously issued executive orders to adapt to this change. This includes sectors such as hotels/lodging; indoor dining; personal services; sport and fitness facilities; amusement parks; and museums, zoos, and aquariums.
• Restrictions on large gatherings and events: Amends previously issued executive orders on large gatherings and events and permits the commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development to issue rules on these gatherings except for religious gatherings.
• Further clarification of limits on alcohol sales by restaurants, bars, and private clubs: Allows hotel liquor permit holders to sell liquor with pick-up and delivery services under the same rules previously issued to other liquor permit holders.
• Restrictions of off-track betting extended: Extends the prohibition of operations at of-track betting facilities through July 20, 2020.
• Extension of essential business rules: Extends the previously issued rules on essential businesses for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency.
• Clarification of Executive Order No. 7MM: Clarifies that any activity permitted by the expedited approval process provided in Executive Order No. 7MM is allowed to continue throughout the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless closed because of enforcement of existing law, permit conditions, or executive orders.
• Extension of remote notarization: Extends Executive Order No. 7QQ, Section 3 for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency.

June 9, 2020:

On June 7, Governor Lamont announced that his administration has released documents detailing specific rules that eligible businesses falling under phase 2 of Connecticut’s reopening plans must follow amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The second phase takes effect Wednesday, June 17.

The sector-specific rules include detailed information and requirements about physical distancing, facility capacity, hygiene, sanitizing, signage, personal protective equipment (PPE), scheduling, training, and more.

Beginning Monday, June 8, businesses and nonprofits planning to reopen during Phase 2 on June 17 will need to visit Connecticut’s self-certification website to certify that they are compliant with the reopening rules for their sector.

On June 8, Governor Lamont announced that he is ordering an independent, third-party review to be conducted of the preparation and response to the COVID-19 pandemic inside of Connecticut’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

June 8, 2020:

On June 5, Governor Lamont announced that Phase 2 of Connecticut’s reopening efforts is being moved up a few days to Wednesday, June 17 to avoid having it take effect during the busy Father’s Day weekend. It previously had been scheduled for Saturday, June 20. The governor will release additional safety guidance for businesses that fall under Phase 2 early next week.

On June 4, Governor Lamont and Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez announced that over 45 banks and credit unions have agreed to extend their voluntary participation in the Connecticut Mortgage Relief Program, which provides relief to consumers facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The program, launched on March 31, 2020 and set to expire on May 31, 2020 will now run through July 30, 2020.

The program, launched on March 31, 2020, extends the following original provisions through July 30, 2020:

• 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments: Participating financial institutions will continue to offer mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days, which will allow homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. In addition, the institutions will continue to:
  • Provide a streamlined process for requesting forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
  • Confirm approval and terms of forbearance program; and
  • Provide the opportunity to extend forbearance agreements if faced with continued hardship resulting from COVID-19.
• Relief from fees and charges: Through July 30, 2020, participating financial institutions will waive or refund mortgage-related late fees and other fees including early CD withdrawals.
• No new foreclosures for 60 days (through July 30, 2020): Financial institutions will not start any foreclosure sales or evictions.
• No credit score changes for accessing relief: Financial institutions will not report derogatory information (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies but may report a forbearance, which typically does not alone negatively affect a credit score.

On June 2, Governor Lamont announced that the State of Connecticut is partnering in a first-of-its-kind, statewide project to quantify the spread of COVID-19 within the state by conducting a seroprevalence study of 1,400 randomized, representative Connecticut residents. The project will identify, through blood samples, people who have developed antibodies to COVID-19, a sign of prior infection.

On June 2, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7VV amending Executive Order No. 7Q. Executive Order No. 7VV changed the limitation on program sizes in child care from 30 children to 50 children.

June 2, 2020:

On May 29, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order-No. 7TT order taking the following actions:

• Reopening of barbershops and hair salons on June 1; and
• Amending prohibitions on large gatherings and allowing large public outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people.

On May 29, the Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced that the utility shut-off moratorium for non-residential customers in the state will continue through July 1, 2020.

On June 1, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7UU taking the following actions:

• Mandatory COVID-19 testing for staff of private and municipal nursing homes, residential communities, and assisted living agencies; and
• Allows the Connecticut Department of Labor to consider, when determining a worker’s eligibility for unemployment benefits, whether COVID-19 means returning to work would pose an unreasonable risk to the health of a member of that worker’s household.

May 28, 2020:

On May 26, Governor Lamont released his Reopen Connecticut report, which contains recommendations from the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group – the panel of local health, business, workforce, and education experts who provided his administration and legislative leadership with recommendations on the reopening of Connecticut’s economy and education system. The report lays out three phases for reopening Connecticut, specifying that it is already in Phase 1 as of May 20. Under Phase 1, restaurants may open outdoor seating, non-essential retail may open, as well as offices, museums, zoos, outdoor recreation, and hair salons (on June 1).

May 26, 2020:

On May 21, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7RR taking the following actions:

• Authority for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to issue rental refunds for events taking place in state parks;
• Modification of age limit for early intervention coverage; and
• Waiver of requirement for guest books at private clubs.

May 19, 2020:

On May 18, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7PP taking the following actions:

• Directing for Phase 1 Reopening to begin May 20;
• Enforcement of sector rules governing the reopening of businesses;
• Extension of prohibition on large gatherings to June 20;
• Extension of restrictions on off-track betting, indoor fitness, and movie theaters to June 20;
• Further clarification of limits on restaurants, bars, and private clubs – mixed drinks permitted for takeout or delivery;
• Limitation on the operation of day camps;
• Enhanced health procedures for all day camps;
• Cancellation of resident camp operations;
• Limitation on the operation of summer and educational programs operated by local or regional boards of education; and
• Suspension or modification of regulatory requirements to protect public health and safety.

On May 18, Governor Lamont released a guidance document that was developed through a collaborative working group organized by his administration and provides best practices for dentist offices that are considering expanding their operations beyond emergency care in the coming days.

On May 18, Governor Lamont released an online guide to help small businesses comply with COVID-19 safety guidance and manage the broader reopening process.

May 18, 2020:

On May 14, Governor Lamont announced Connecticut businesses eligible to open on or soon after May 20 are required to self-certify to demonstrate they understand and will comply with COVID-19 rules and regulations set by the state.

The self-certification process is quick and available online at business.ct.gov/recovery.

Businesses under Phase 1 of Connecticut reopening plans include:

• Restaurants (outdoor dining only)
• Hair salons and barbershops
• Offices
• Retail and malls
• Museums and zoos

Sector rules for reopening a business were published on May 9.

On May 15, Governor Lamont announced that the State of Connecticut will be distributing 50,000 infrared thermometers it has secured for small businesses, nonprofits, and places of worship to support safe reopening activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Entities that would like to request a thermometer can fill out the forms located at ct.gov/coronavirus in the “Access to Personal Protective Equipment” section.

On May 18, Governor Lamont announced hair salons and barber shops will open in early June, rather than May 20.

May 14, 2020:

On May 13, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7NN which enacts the following provisions:

• Waiver of statutory vote on supplemental federal block grant
• Remote participation in member meetings
• Waiver of certain regulatory limitations on the amount of support that can be provided to caregiver relatives
• Technical modification of grace period for April and May rent
• Authorization for OPM to direct DSS to provide Coronavirus Relief Fund distributions to nursing home facilities
• Authorization for OPM to direct DSS to provide Coronavirus Relief Fund distributions to COVID recovery facilities and alternate COVID recovery facilities
• Authorization for additional COVID-19 related hardship relief funding under the Coronavirus Relief Fund to nursing home facilities
• Coronavirus Relief Fund distribution determinations not subject to rehearing or appeal
• Extension and sunset of suspension of tax on single-use plastic checkout bags

On May 14, Governor Lamont announced Connecticut received $111 Million in Coronavirus Relief Aid for schools.

May 13, 2020:

On May 12, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7MM taking the following actions:

• Allowing municipalities to expedite changes to their zoning rules or other ordinances to expand outdoor dining;
• Creating an expedited approval process for restaurants and other establishments that serve food to get fast-tracked permission to create or expand outdoor dining areas;
• Allowing other businesses such as retail stores to get fast-tracked permission to sell goods on the sidewalk or in other outdoor areas, including shared spaces or spaces provided by municipalities;
• Allowing restaurants and other businesses who already have liquor permits to serve alcohol only with food without applying for a separate patio or extension of use permit; and
• Allowing private clubs to sell alcohol only to their members for delivery or pickup.

May 8, 2020:

On May 7, Governor Lamont, during his daily news briefing, announced that the administration is utilizing seven criteria in its consideration for Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening efforts. These criteria include:

• 14 day decline in hospitalizations
• Increased testing available
• Sufficient contact tracing capacity
• Protect vulnerable populations
• Adequate healthcare capacity
• Adequate supply of PPE
• Appropriate workplace safeguards

More information can be found here.

On May 7, the Connecticut Department of Labor announced that it has made active the filing site so those who are self-employed can complete the necessary filing applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Those seeking to apply should visit www.filectui.com and locate the red button labeled with the PUA designation. The site will accept applications from self-employed individuals, including independent contractors and “gig” workers who have already applied through the state unemployment system and have received a determination notice in the mail.

May 5, 2020:

On May 5, Governor Lamont announced that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he is ordering in-person classes at all K-12 public school facilities in Connecticut to remain canceled for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year and continue providing distance learning during this period.

April 27, 2020:

On April 25, Governor Lamont announced in a Press Release that his administration is partnering with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) and its affiliate CONNSTEP on an initiative to distribute free face coverings to eligible, essential small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Eligible businesses include those defined as essential businesses by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

April 24, 2020:

On April 23, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7EE which enacts the following provisions:

• Mandatory reporting by managed residential communities

• Mandatory reporting by nursing homes

• Civil Penalties for failure to comply with mandatory reporting

• Waiving certain Medicaid prior authorization requirements

• Waiving Medicaid bed reservation requirements for residents on leave from intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities

• Waiving requirements for signed delivery receipt for medical equipment, devices, and supplies

More information on Executive Order No. 7EE can be found in Governor Lamont’s Press Release.

Governor Lamont also announced Members of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group. During a press briefing Advisory Group members indicated that “May 20 was a logical target date to begin ‘looking at’ a careful and highly phased reopening plan that could see a roll out beginning in June if it meets with public health experts’ approval.”

April 23, 2020:

On April 22, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7DD which enacts the following provisions:

• Additions to the definition of telehealth provider

• Flexibility for Medicaid-enrolled providers and in-network providers for commercial fully insured health insurance to perform telehealth through additional methods

• Additions to permissible out-of-state healthcare providers

• Participation in intern, resident physician, or United States Medical Officer candidate training programs prior to permit issuance

• Participation in resident physician assistant program prior to permit issuance

• Temporary suspension of physician assistant supervision restrictions

• Temporary suspension of in-person supervision requirement for advanced practice registered nurses

• Provision of services by respiratory care therapist and respiratory care technician students

• Suspension of continuing education requirement for health care providers

• Modification of 36-month age limit for Birth-to-Three services

More information on Executive Order No. 7DD can be found in Governor Lamont’s Press Release.

On April 21, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7CC taking the following actions:

• Extension of applicability of Executive Order No. 7S Section 7 to include additional critical and time-sensitive municipal fiscal actions;

• Clarification of time periods regarding suspension and modification of non-judicial tax sales pursuant to Executive Order No. 7S, Section 11;

• Exclusion of federal stimulus payments in evaluating eligibility for state or local programs financed in whole or in part using state funds;

• Alternative to physical presence in court for finding of irretrievable breakdown of marriage;

• Alternative to in-person waiver of right to file motion or petition for educational support;

• Alternative to physical appearance of petitioner regarding decree of dissolution after entry of decree of legal separation;

• Alternative to in-court canvas prior to entrance of final agreement;

• Alternative to physical presence when findings on the record are required; and

• Revised financial protections for people covered by insurance who receive out-of-network health care services during the public health emergency.

More information on Executive Order No. 7DD can be found in Governor Lamont’s Press Release.

April 22, 2020:

On April 19, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7CC in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Executive Order No. 7CC enacts the following provisions:

• Applicability of Executive Order No. 7S, Section 7 to additional critical and time-sensitive municipal fiscal actions: Expands Section 7 of Executive Order No. 7S, permitting a municipality’s legislative body and budget-making authority to jointly authorize certain actions by a majority vote of each body to include additional time sensitive and essential actions among which such bodies may authorize.

• Clarification of time periods regarding suspension and modification of non-judicial tax sales.

• Exclusion of federal stimulus payments in evaluating eligibility for state or local programs financed in whole or in part using state funds.

• Alternative to physical presence in court for finding of irretrievable breakdown of marriage.

• Alternative to in-person waiver of right to file motion or petition for educational support.

• Alternative to physical appearance of petitioner regarding decree of dissolution after entry of decree of legal separation.

• Modifies state statutes requiring the court to inquire into the financial resources and actual needs of the spouses and their respective fitness to have physical custody or rights of visitation with any minor child prior to entry of a final order of dissolution or approval of a final agreement and permits the court to satisfy the inquiry requirement.

• Alternative to physical presence when findings on court record are required.

• Revised financial protections for people covered by insurance who receive out-of-network health care services during the public health emergency.

April 19, 2020:

On April 17, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7BB which directed any person in a public place in Connecticut who is unable to maintain a safe social distance of 6 feet to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering. This order takes effect the morning of April 20.

April 15, 2020:

On April 14, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7Z taking the following actions:

• Temporarily waiving certain requirements related to state contracts in order to expedite the procurement of essential goods and services, including personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Allowing property owners or their attorney or agent to appear before a board of assessment appeals using remote technology instead of in person;
• Suspending license requirements for unarmed security officers who may be licensed in another state to work in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services extended the filing and payment deadlines of certain returns until July 15, 2020.

April 13, 2020:

On April 10, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7X. This order took the following actions:

• Provided protections for residential renters impacted by COVID-19, which includes:
  • Prohibition on landlords from issuing notice to quit or begin eviction proceedings before July 1, 2020 (except for a serious nuisance such as physically harming another tenant),
  • 60-day grace period for payment on rent due in April 2020
  • 60-day grace period for rent due in May 2020 upon request by tenant and confirmation that such tenant has been affected financially or otherwise by the COVID-19 pandemic, and
  • Direction that the landlord shall apply the tenant’s security deposit to April, May or June rent so long as the tenant provides notice that such tenant has been affected financially or otherwise by COVID-19
• Extended the cancellation of school classes through May 20, 2020;
• Extended the closures, social distancing, and safety measures through May 20, 2020.

April 12, 2020:

On April 10, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7X. This order took the following actions:

• Provided protections for residential renters impacted by COVID-19, which includes:
  • Prohibition on landlords from issuing notice to quit or begin eviction proceedings before July 1, 2020 (except for a serious nuisance such as physically harming another tenant),
  • 60-day grace period for payment on rent due in April 2020
  • 60-day grace period for rent due in May 2020 upon request by tenant and confirmation that such tenant has been affected financially or otherwise by the COVID-19 pandemic, and
  • Direction that the landlord shall apply the tenant’s security deposit to April, May or June rent so long as the tenant provides notice that such tenant has been affected financially or otherwise by COVID-19
• Extended the cancellation of school classes through May 20, 2020;
• Extended the closures, social distancing, and safety measures through May 20, 2020.

April 10, 2020:

On April 9, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7W, taking the following actions:

• Suspending and modifying tax deadlines and collection efforts pursuant to Executive Order No. 7S, Section 6;
• Preventing an increased experience rating based on COVID-19 unemployment claims;
• Limiting the coil cleaning requirements for certain establishments;
• Suspending the delivery signature requirement for alcoholic beverage pick up;
• Waiving the requirement that businesses with certain permits that have closed for sixty days or less notify the Department of Consumer Protection of the closure;
• Providing a ninety-day provisional permits for Liquor Control Commission;
• Extending the renewal date for on-premise liquor permits; and
• Waiving the need for a permit to be recorded with the town clerk where the clerk’s office is closed or reduced hours makes it unreasonable to have a permit recorded.

Governor Lamont also announced that minority and women-owned businesses with 20 or fewer employees can apply for a zero-interest line of credit up to $20,000 to help them navigate the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

April 8, 2020:

On April 7, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7 taking the following actions:

• Prescribing additional protective measures for essential businesses;
• Waiving the application fees for temporary permits for each of the health care professions;
• Allowing recent medical school and other medical profession graduates who are not yet licensed to participate in the state’s COVID-19 response for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency;
• Allowing for those who have recently completed an accredited graduate degree program in marital and family therapy offered by a postgraduate clinical training program to practice without a license for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency;
• Allowing recent graduates with a degree in clinical mental health counseling who are not yet licensed to practice as a professional counselor associate without obtaining a license for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency; and
• Replacing the section of Executive Order No. 7U which adds protection from liability for common law claims – in addition to the previously enacted protection from liability for statutory claims – for healthcare workers and providers.

Governor Lamont also announced that manufacturers can apply for grants of up to $75,000 to assist in the production of critical equipment and supplies. The grants, offered through the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program, can be used for working capital, new equipment, and other purposes that help companies build capacity or repurpose their operations. More information about the program and the application process can be found at the following link: https://ctmvp.ccat.us.

April 6, 2020:

On April 5, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order. No. 7U which protects health care professionals and health care facilities, including nursing homes and field hospitals, from lawsuits for acts or omissions undertaken in good faith in support of the state’s COVID-19 response; and protects those who are uninsured and those who are insured and are treated by an out-of-network emergency services health care provider from surprise bills and other significant costs.

April 5, 2020:

On April 2, Access Health CT, Connecticut’s health insurance marketplace, announced that it is extending the deadline for the new special enrollment period for uninsured residents to enroll in health insurance plans.

April 3, 2020:

On April 1, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7S taking the following actions:

• Requiring retail establishments to take additional protective measures to reduce the risk of transmission;
• Establishing a 60-day grace period for premium payments, policy cancellations, and non-renewals of insurance policies;
• Extending the 30-day period of credit for liquor permittees;
• Changing daily payment of certain taxes to weekly;
• Providing flexibility to amend Medicaid waivers and state plan;
• Relieving certain municipal tax deadlines and collection efforts;
• Allowing suspension of in-person voting requirements for critical and time sensitive municipal fiscal deadlines;
• Suspending of reapplication filing requirement for the homeowners’ elderly/disabled circuit breaker tax relief program and for the homeowners’ elderly/disabled freeze tax relief program;
• Substituting full inspection requirements pertaining to October 1, 2020 grand list revaluations;
• Extending of deadline to file income and expense statement to August 15; and
• Suspending of non-judicial tax sales.

Governor Lamont also announced the creation of 4-CT charitable organization which unites donors with nonprofit providers. The Connecticut COVID-19 Charity Connection – also known as 4-CT – is an independent, 501(c)3 organization with the mission of bolstering the resources available to support the state’s frontline providers who are serving all areas impacted by the crisis.

Governor Lamont also issued Executive Order No. 7T taking the following actions:

• Prohibition on non-essential lodging: Prohibits all hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and short-term residential rentals (including those arrange through online hosting platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo) from renting to customers for leisure or vacation purposes. Instead, lodging at these facilities must be limited to:
  • Health care workers, first responders, and other essential workers;
  • Workers engaged in transporting critical materials to hospitals;
  • Vulnerable populations, including those who are homeless;
  • Connecticut residents who need a place to self-quarantine away from family or roommates;
  • Those receiving long-term care or specialized medical treatment;
  • Connecticut residents in need of housing as a result of property damage, such as a fire;
  • Persons unable to return home because of constraints on travel; and
  • Persons engaged in providing or servicing lodging.
• Further clarification of limits on restaurants, bars, and private clubs: Permits, under certain conditions, food establishments and liquor manufacturers to deliver alcoholic liquor and allows additional manufacturers to sell alcoholic liquor for pick-up and delivery. This will provide additional opportunities for these businesses to safely deliver their products directly to customers and reduce travel outside the home.
• Suspension of notarization requirement related to Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program: Suspends the notarization requirement for certifying compliance with nondiscrimination laws for applicants seeking assistance through the recently created Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program for small businesses in order to ensure that applications can be completed and processed in an efficient manner.
• Flexibility to maintain adequate child care infrastructure: Provides the commissioner of Early Childhood with the authority to implement a financial package to compensate emergency child care and stabilize the child care field to support providers through the emergency response.
• Suspension of rehearing rights for temporary rate increases for certain health care providers: Enables the Department of Social Services to provide relief to various providers, including nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and residential care homes, by way of a temporary rate increase to address the COVID-19 public health emergency without being subject to rehearings challenging the overall magnitude and methodology of the rate increases that can, in some case, take years to come to a conclusion and expose the state to increased costs beyond those necessary to pay the temporary rate increases.
• Alternative to affidavits in relation to orders of protection and relief: Suspends the requirement that victims of domestic abuse sign an application for an order of protection under oath before a notary or attorney. Instead, the order enables them to sign an application outside the presence of a third party under the penalty of false statement. Governor Lamont thanks the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Judicial Branch for their input and coordination on this important matter. This order, along with additional changes the Judicial Branch intends to make to its Rules of Civil Procedure, will ensure victims of domestic abuse continue to have access to our courts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2, 2020:

On March 31, Governor Lamont announced an agreement with more than 50 credit unions and banks in Connecticut to offer mortgage relief to the state’s residents and businesses. Under the agreement, the following relief policies are being offered by participating financial institutions: (i) 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments; (ii) relief from fees and charges for 90 days; (iii) no new foreclosures for 60 days; and (iv) no credit score changes for accessing relief. The Department of Banking will maintain updated list of participating institutions on its website. The Department’s website also provides a section to address frequently asked questions.

Governor Lamont also issued Executive Order No. 7R which took the following actions: (i) continued funding for boards of education; (ii) continued payment of public school staff; (iii) preserved student transportation services and special education providers; (iv) restricted on entrance to state parks, forests, and other lands; and (v) permitted curbside pickup of alcoholic beverages.

April 1, 2020:

On March 30, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7Q which, among other things, eliminates all existing legal requirements to have a signature on any document witnessed by a third party, except in the case of a last will and testament. With respect to last wills and testaments, documents may now be witnessed remotely under the supervision of an attorney. In addition to removing witness requirements, any document required to be filed on the land records must contain a one-page certification, completed by a notary or commissioner of the Superior Court, reciting to the fact that the underlying document was executed pursuant to the executive order. The Executive Order No. 7Q also requires all town and city clerks to accept those documents for recording.

March 26, 2020:

On March 25, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7M. Such order authorized the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation to toll any deadlines for review and final determination of any permit applications until the date of termination of the public health emergency. The order also suspended the time requirements to file an appeal with the Freedom of Information Commission. Finally, the order granted authority to each department head, commissioner, agency head, and board and commission to extend, as they deem necessary, any statutory or regulatory time requirements, decision-making requirements, hearings or other time limitations or deadlines for a period not to exceed 90 days.

March 23, 2020:

On March 23, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7H, which directed all Non-Essential Functions to suspend in-person operations effective March 23 through April 22. Essential businesses include those defined in the federal CISA guidance, businesses providing essential services such as healthcare, food service, law enforcement and similar critical services, infrastructure including transportation manufacturing and corresponding supply chains, food and agriculture and other retail, professional services such as accounting, financial institutions, legal services and real estate transactions and construction. Other businesses may request the Department of Economic Community Development deem such business “essential” by completing an Essential Business Designation Form.

March 19, 2020:

On March 19, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7G, which suspended all non-critical court operations and associated requirements, deadlines and statute of limitations.