- Governor Ned Lamont is deferring to local governments and businesses on whether they want to impose any stricter rules as the Delta variant drives increased COVID-19 infections in Connecticut
- All counties in Connecticut are considered to be at substantial risk of COVID-19 transmission, with the recommendation that anyone over the age of two resume mask wearing in indoor public places
- Pandemic-related business restrictions have been relaxed in Connecticut since May 19
Summary by Dirk Langeveld
Governor Ned Lamont does not plan to tighten business restrictions in Connecticut due to the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant unless conditions worsen substantially.
Lamont said on Tuesday that he might consider making changes if the state begins to move into the high-risk category of COVID-19 transmission. Every county is now designated by the Centers for Disease Control as having a substantial risk of transmission, with the recommendation that people ages two and older in these areas wear masks in indoor public settings regardless of their vaccination status.
Connecticut fully relaxed its business restrictions on May 19, although masks are still required on public transit, in health facilities, and in schools.
- Lamont is deferring to local governments and businesses on whether they would like to impose stricter rules, such as wearing a mask or showing proof of vaccination when entering certain venues
- The COVID-19 test positivity rate in Connecticut has ticked up with the spread of the Delta variant, and hospitalizations have increased steadily since early July
- Lamont said he is not looking to reinstate a travel advisory due to the state’s high vaccination rate
- The governor said he would also look for input from the legislature on any potential changes before his emergency powers expire on Sept. 30
- On Wednesday, Lamont and Dr. Deidre Gifford, acting commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, expressed concerns about localized COVID-19 outbreaks in Connecticut but stressed that vaccinated individuals are at a much lower risk of breakthrough infections