With the number of cases climbing once again, there has been a lot of pressure on Governor Lamont to enforce another COVID shutdown in Connecticut. In particular, doctors and hospitals are recommending that he close gyms. They also want him to prohibit indoor dining and limit retail outlets to less than the current 50% capacity limit.
The number of deaths and hospitalizations in Connecticut related to COVID-19 are higher than they were back in May. There is fear that there will be a huge resurgence in cases around the holidays. Local officials and health advisors have told Governor Lamont that he needs to take action now to avoid unnecessary deaths. So far, he has done nothing.
The restrictions that are currently in place have been there since the beginning of summer. Restaurants have to close by 10 pm and are limited to 50% capacity for indoor dining. Stores are allowed to maintain regular hours but have to limit their capacity to 50% as well.
Despite the pressure, Lamont has stated that he has received guidance from other experts and they don’t recommend shutdowns. He has also been pressured by the Connecticut Restaurant Association and the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association to keep things as is. In fact, they want him to lift the restrictions that have been in place since June.
With the holidays right around the corner, it doesn’t look like Lamont will take any action. He initially toyed with the idea of doing what California has done. They said they will implement a shutdown when hospitals reach 85% capacity. Lamont has not commented further on this idea.
Even Lamont’s own advisors are asking him for another COVID shutdown in Connecticut to prevent the further spread of the virus.
If your business is in risk of closing and you have questions about your rights, contact a Connecticut business lawyer right away.
Source: https://www.courant.com/coronavirus/hc-news-coronavirus-closure-rising-pressure-lamont-20201210-awqw63cr2vf4pki3fz4curnkda-story.html