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Governor Lamont Releases Business Documents for Phase 2 Reopening on June 17, including CT public libraries

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today 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 governor stressed that the decision to reopen during this phase rests with each individual business owner – they are not required to open if they do not choose, however if they do they must follow the rules as prescribed. The protocols were developed by Governor Lamont, members of his administration, and the Department of Economic and Community Development, in consultation with legislators and recommendations made by the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group, which consisted of several of the state’s leading medical experts and representatives of business and industry groups.

Phase 2 includes the following sectors:

• Amusement parks
• Hotels
• Indoor dining
• Indoor museums, zoos, and aquariums
• Indoor recreation (e.g. bowling, movie theaters, etc.)
• Libraries
• Outdoor events
• Personal services (e.g. nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc.)
• Sports and fitness facilities (e.g. gyms, fitness centers, pools, etc.)

Read the Phase 2 Business Documents for June 17 Opening

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.

Starting June 1, the Middletown Library Service Center is open for curbside service by appointment only.

Connecticut Libraries Road Map to Re-Opening and Recovery

Connecticut’s Libraries have been closed to the public since Covid-19 impacted Connecticut and Governor Lamont issued the “Stay Safe, Stay Home” Executive Order. Most libraries have posted, “Closed until further notice.” We all need to think strategically and plan accordingly about how to return to full service in a safe and healthy manner and in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders and local government directives. Libraries should be nimble in their planning and developing of  scenarios in the event of a virus outbreak flare up requiring quick response.

Resources for COVID-19 Information:
1. COVID-19 information specific to Connecticut
2. CSL/DLD’s COVID-19 LibGuide 
3. Institute of Museum and Library Services Research Partnership to Inform Safe Handling of Collections, Reopening Practices for Libraries, Museums 

We know that Covid-19 will continue to be a serious public health concern in Connecticut and nationwide.

The following is a recommended phased road-map for reopening Connecticut’s libraries in four stages. These recommendations are preliminary, and are subject to change as the situation develops as the Governor's Office issues updates and guidance. 

The Connecticut State Library, Division of Library Development is there for you.​