Restrictions and Recommendations
Gov. Ned Lamont is holding a daily coronavirus response press briefing. You can listen or watch every weekday at approximately 4pm* on any of the channels below:
WATCH LIVE: CPTV.org | Facebook | YouTube | CPTV Spirit | CPTV (re-airing at 6pm)
LISTEN LIVE: Connecticut Public Radio
*Per the nature of live breaking news, exact start and end times will vary.
Federal & State Restrictions and Recommendations
The Federal government has released Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-tiered plan to help states and localities determine when and how to reopen. The approach is focused on data-driven criteria that regions and states must meet, how states should prepare, and phase guidelines for employers and individuals. According to this plan, people should continue to follow state and local guidance, as well as recommendations from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Read the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again here.
Governor Lamont has put in place the "Stay Safe, Stay Home" initiative for Connecticut, which closes non-essential businesses, bans non-essential public gatherings, and urges state residents to only leave the home when necessary. The closure of non-essential businesses currently remains in place through May 20, although this end date may change. Starting tentatively on this target date, businesses in Connecticut would be able to begin reopening in phases, although some may only be able to open on a limited basis and all must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Read Connecticut's state guidelines here.
How to self-quarantine or isolate
Self Quarantine: If you had a higher chance of exposure, even if you are not showing symptoms of being sick, health officials recommend you self-quarantine for 14 days. If you live alone, stay home and away from other people unless it's an emergency. If you live with other people, avoid shared spaces as much as possible. If your living arrangement allows, you should sleep in a separate bedroom, use a separate toilet, and use separate dishes and flatware.
Isolation: If you are confirmed to have COVID-19, you may need to go into isolation. This can occur either at a hospital or at home, but involves staying away from all people and remaining in a single space, unless in an emergency. If you are in isolation but need to leave, you should wear a mask if possible, to prevent the spread of droplets that may contain the virus.
More information: NPR | Johns Hopkins Medicine
What Does Social Distancing Mean?
As the name would suggest, social distancing is the practice of maintaining increased distance between people, and avoiding direct contact with people and objects in public. This minimizes the risk of exposure and transmission, and it can slow the spread of coronavirus. Specifically, this means not gathering in groups of ten or more, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying away from elderly people unless it's for critical assistance.
Source: NPR
Is it safe to shop for groceries? New research shows that, because coronavirus can live on surfaces for hours or days, there is a risk with any kind of shopping. However, the risk can be managed. Here are several tips:
- Wash your hands before and after visiting the store
- Plan you shopping during off-peak hours
- Use sanitizer on shopping carts and baskets
- Avoid touching your face, especially after touching something in the store
Additionally, for those over 60, many stores are offering additional morning hours exclusively for senior citizens. Contact your local store to find out if these special hours are provided in your area.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state government recommend wearing a mask or cloth face cover when in public places such as a grocery store.
Can I run, hike, or bike outside? Outdoor exercise was not among the activities to avoid issued by the White House. Since coronavirus is believed to spread via close contact between people (about six feet), it is still important to maintain a healthy distance with others outside.
Some parks in Connecticut, including Kent Falls State Park and Seaside State Park, have closed for the duration of the coronavirus emergency. Other parks are being closed for the day once their parking areas reach capacity. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is posting updates on which state parks are open and closed on a daily basis via Twitter: @CTStateParks.
Source: NPR
Should I wear a mask? Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order directing everyone to wear a mask or cloth face covering when maintaining a six-foot distance in a public place is not possible. This includes customers and employees in a workplace, but does not make masks mandatory for anyone whose health could be impacted by wearing one. The order took effect Monday April 20th and will continue until further notice.
Source: Office of the Governor
Services for delivery
Many grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and retailers are offering delivery service, either directly or through a third party partner such as Uber Eats or Instacart. The links below will allow you to search what businesses can deliver in your area.
INSTACART
WALMART GROCERY
PEAPOD
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
WALGREENS
UBER EATS
POSTMATES
DOOR DASH
GRUB HUB
Amazon and many other retail stores, including ones that have temporarily closed their physical locations, are still offering online shopping and delivery.
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