Non-essential Business Close

March 20, 2020

Earlier today, the Governor announced the Stay Home Stay Safe plan to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Executive Order will prohibit in-person operations for all non-essential businesses. Although there is some information on business sectors contained within the executive order, specific guidance from the Department of Community and Economic Development will be developed over the weekend. These changes will go into effect Monday evening at 8pm.

Updates from the Governor

The Governor’s Executive order is in keeping with the steps our First Selectwoman and Health Director have outlined for Fairfield residents. The goal of these community efforts is to reduce the impact on our healthcare system and allow medical providers to care for the sickest patients.

There is no need to stockpile items, whether toilet paper or other food and medical supplies. Grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open for business. It is important that we only buy what we need. The full list of exempted businesses, and the specific process to obtain a waiver, will be released this weekend, but exemptions include:

  • Healthcare
  • Financial Services
  • Food Supply
  • Childcare
  • Fuel
  • Auto Repair
  • Hardware stores
  • Pet stores
  • Laundromats

The contents of the plan recommend that state residents do the following:

  • Effective at 8PM on Monday, March 23, all non-essential businesses statewide should close
  • Non-essential public community gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason should be canceled (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time
  • If you must leave your home, do not travel in groups - groups must be limited to workers providing essential services
  • Everyone should keep at least six feet away from each other whenever possible
  • Businesses and entities that provide other essential services should implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet
  • Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people
  • Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders
  • Sick individuals should not leave their home except to fill critical needs or to receive medical care, and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health
  • Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations
  • Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using soap and water, hand sanitizer, or isopropyl alcohol wipes. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds works best

Data updates on testing in Connecticut (As of 8 pm on March 20, 2020)

As of today, every county in the state is reporting a positive case. To date, more than 2,300 patients in Connecticut have been tested. A county-by-county breakdown of the total positive cases statewide includes:

  • Fairfield County: 122
  • Hartford County: 29
  • Litchfield County: 8
  • Middlesex County: 5
  • New Haven County: 23
  • New London County: 1
  • Tolland County: 4
  • Windham County: 2

Governor Lamont has now added a Comprehensive Guide to the State's Coronavirus Response on the CT Portal. For answers to frequently asked questions please click here. The guide will be updated regularly.