Reopening CT: Latest COVID-19 Guidance

Posted on: May 6, 2021 - 9:51am
reopening ct

Masks and Face Covering Requirements

Effective May 19, 2021, all remaining Sector Rules for Reopening are lifted, with certain exceptions related to mask-wearing. Unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks indoors. Masks are still required in healthcare facilities, public and private transit (airports, taxis, trains, etc.), correctional facilities, schools, and childcare.

Effective August 24, 2021, Mayor Marcia Leclerc has instituted a Town-wide indoor mask mandate. All residents over 2 years of age should return to wearing masks when in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals can be exempt from the mask mandate while:

  • Eating or drinking
  • When spaced at least six feet apart
  • Or due to a medical condition, behavioral condition, or disability

Persons who decline to wear a mask or face covering due to these circumstances shall provide a written documentation to qualfiy them from exemption. Individuals who fail to wear a face mask will be subject to a $100 fine.

Outdoors

Masks not required.

Indoors

  • Vaccinated individuals highly encouraged to wear masks in the State of Connecticut.
  • Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks.
  • Masks will still be required in certain settings such as healthcare facilities, facilities housing vulnerable populations, public and private transit, correctional facilities, schools, and childcare.

For more information, please see the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s latest guidance on vaccinations, mask-wearing, and social distancing.

face mask

Sector rules in Effect Throughout Connecticut

As Connecticut continues taking steps to protect residents from the spread of COVID-19, the state has established specific rules for various sectors to keep people safe. Here are all of the rules currently in effect that apply for each sector, including gatherings and reopening recommendations.

Most sector rules will be eliminated by Wednesday May 19, 2021. Governor Lamont has announced plans to eliminate most of the state's COVID-19 restrictions for every sector by May 19, 2021, with the exception of certain mask requirements that will remain in effect. The changes will include:

Effective Saturday, May 1, 2021
  • The curfew for restaurants, entertainment venues, recreation venues, and theaters will be moved back one hour to 12:00 am midnight.
  • Bars that do not serve food can open for service – OUTDOOR ONLY. Food is still required when serving alcohol indoors.
  • The 8-person per table limit will be lifted – OUTDOOR ONLY. The limit remains in effect for indoor dining.
Effective Wednesday, May 19, 2021
  • All remaining business restrictions will end.
  • Indoor masks will continue.
  • The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) will issue recommendations for indoor and large outdoor events (e.g., concerts).

Travel Advisory/Guidance

Mandates and requirements regarding travel are no longer in effect in Connecticut as of March 19, 2021. However, residents and visitors to Connecticut are strongly urged to follow travel-related guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH). Click here for detailed guidance regarding travel.

Domestic Travel for Fully Vaccinated Persons

As of April 2, 2021, CDC has updated their travel guidance; since fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to contract and spread COVID-19, they can travel safely within the United States.

Fully vaccinated persons, meaning persons who are at least 14 days or more after the last dose of their vaccine series, can travel within the United States and do not have to test before or after travel (unless their destination requires it) and do not have to quarantine after travel.

Domestic Travel for Non-Vaccinated Persons
  • Review CDC guidance for post-travel quarantine and testing
  • Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND self-quarantine at home for a full 7 days after travel.
  • Continue to stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative.
  • If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
  • If you do not get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for a full 10 days after travel.
  • Remember to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 while in quarantine. If at any time during your quarantine you develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate (including away from other members of your travel party), contact a healthcare provider, and seek testing.
International Travel

All air passengers (regardless of vaccination status) arriving to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. More information on the international travel requirement here.