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 (re-airing at 6pm)
LISTEN LIVE: Connecticut Public Radio
*Per the nature of live breaking news, exact start and end times will vary.
State & Federal Restrictions and Recommendations
Phase 2.1 of the Reopen Connecticut plan began on November 6th, which saw reductions in the capacity of restaurants, event venues, houses of worship, and more. All currently opened businesses and services must follow sector rules issued by the state. Social and recreational gatherings can now include a maximum of 25 people at indoor commercial venues, 50 people at outdoor commercial venues, and 10 people at private residences. Face coverings should still be worn when in public and maintaining a six-foot distance is not possible. Read Connecticut's state guidelines here.
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.
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
- Wearing a mask is required, unless wearing one is contrary to your health due to a medical condition
- Plan your 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.
Can I run, hike, or bike outside? Outdoor exercise is not among the activities to avoid issued by the White House or the State of Connecticut. Since coronavirus is believed to spread via close contact between people (about six feet), it is still important to maintain a safe distance with others while outside.
Some parks in Connecticut 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? Face coverings are required when in public and a six-foot distance is unavoidable. There are exceptions to this rule, such as children under 2, and people for whom wearing a mask would be contrary to their health due to a medical condition.
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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