Connecticut has rolled back on reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic and moved from Phase 3 to Phase 2.1 at 12:01 a.m. Friday. That requires some businesses to reduce capacity and close early.
Starting today, the number of people allowed inside a restaurant will shrink.
Restaurants will also have to close their dining rooms at 10 p.m., though takeout and delivery can continue well after.
The following businesses will be subject to a 10 p.m. closing time seven days a week.
- Restaurants (last service for in-person dining at 9:30 p.m., although takeout and delivery may continue)
- Entertainment and recreation venues (e.g. movie theaters, bowling alleys, performing arts theaters)
- Indoor and outdoor events at commercial venues
Phase Comparisons
| Industry | Phase 2 | Phase 3 | Phase 2.1 - Effective 11/6/20 |
| Restaurants | Up to 50% capacity indoors with 6 ft spacing and/or non-porous barriers | Up to 75% capacity indoors with 6 ft spacing and/or non-porous barriers | Up to 50% capacity indoors with 6 ft spacing and/or non-porous barriersMax of 8 people/table |
| Personal Services | Up to 50% capacity indoors with 6 ft spacing and/or non-porous barriers | Up to 75% capacity indoors with 6 ft spacing and/or non-porous barriers | See Phase 3 rules |
| Libraries | Up to 50% capacity indoors | Up to 75% capacity indoors | See Phase 3 rules |
| Outdoor Event Venues (e.g. Amphitheaters, Race Tracks) | Up to 25% with social distancing and masks required | Up to 50% with social distancing and masks required | Up to 25% with social distancing and masks required |
| Indoor Performing Arts Theaters | Closed | Up to 50% capacity with 6 ft spacing between parties | Up to 50% capacity with 6 ft spacing between parties, capped at 100 people |
| Indoor Recreation | Up to 50% with social distancing and masks required | Up to 50% with social distancing and masks required | Up to 50% with social distancing and masks required, movie theaters and similar entertainment venues capped at 100 people |
| Private, Social and Recreational Gathering Sizes – Commercial Venue | Indoor – Cap of 25 people Outdoor – Cap of 100 people | Indoor – Up to 50% capacity, capped at 100 people Outdoor – Cap of 150 people | Indoor – Cap of 25 people Outdoor – Cap of 50 people |
| Private, Social and Recreational Gathering Sizes – Private Residences | Indoor -– Cap of 25 people Outdoor – Cap of 100 people | Indoor – Cap of 25 people Outdoor – Cap of 150 people | Indoor – Cap of 10 people Outdoor – Cap of 10 people |
| Graduations | Indoor – Not allowed Outdoor – One time exemption capped at 150 people with masks and social distancing required | Indoor – Up to 50% capacity, capped at 200 with masks and social distancing required Outdoor – Up to 50% capacity or 6 ft spacing, no capacity limit with masks and social distancing required | Indoor – Up to 50% capacity, capped at 100 with masks and social distancing required Outdoor – See Phase 3 rules |
| Religious Gatherings | Indoor – Up to 25% capacity capped at 100 people Outdoor – Capped at 150 people | Indoor – Up to 50% capacity, capped at 200 with masks and social distancing required Outdoor – Up to 50% capacity or 6 ft spacing, no capacity limit with masks and social distancing required | Indoor – Up to 50% capacity, capped at 100 with masks and social distancing required Outdoor – See Phase 3 rules |
The state's website says that events previously scheduled to take place prior to Nov. 9 can still take place in accordance with the phase rules that were in place in the municipality prior to the announcement of Phase 2.1.
The state has also laid out guidelines for driving schools.
For on-road training, there can be two-people per car. Both must wear masks, windows must be rolled down, and thorough cleanings are required between customers.
The state public health department has also issued an advisory that urges people to stay home and avoid non-essential trips between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Private Social Gatherings
On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that private social gatherings should be kept to 10 people or less, whether it's an indoor or outdoor gathering.
"It's our strong feeling that if we can limit those private gatherings for a period of time, it will make a real difference," said Lamont.
Acting Public Health Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said a source of the spread of COVID-19 is people hanging out with family and friends.
"We see our level of community transmission continue to increase in Connecticut. That just means the odds that someone you have over to your home, unfortunately, is even more that much more likely," said Gifford.
Private, social, and recreational gathering sizes for venues have a cap of 25 people for indoor and 50 people for outdoor gatherings. Social gathering at private residences are capped to 10 people, whether it be outdoor or indoor. Masks and social distancing required for all types of events.
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Red Alert Towns
According to officials, there are now 68 towns under a red alert because of a flare-up in cases.
Additional information on Phase 2.1 can be found here.
