Reopening summer schools, in-person graduations and more

June 8, 2020

I would like to share a recap of some of last week’s highlights. Below you can find information on the following topics:

  • Reopening Summer Schools Safely
  • In-Person Graduation Ceremonies
  • Phase 2 Re-Opening for Businesses
  • COVID-19 Antibody Testing
  • CTDOL Suitable Work Requirements
  • June is Pride Month
For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. 

To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.
Reopening Summer Schools Safely
Connecticut's in-person summer schools are preparing to reopen July 6, 2020. A reopening plan has been developed outlining safety measures, daily operating practices, and restrictions to ensure that our students and teachers are better protected. Click here to read a summary of the report.
In-Person Graduation Ceremonies
State leaders recently announced school districts will be permitted to hold in-person graduation ceremonies starting July 6, 2020. These ceremonies must follow strict guidelines requiring them to be held outdoors, limited to a maximum of 150 people (including graduates), and implement proper social distancing protocols. Read more about this here.
Phase 2 Re-opening for Businesses 

We will be implementing Phase 2 of the state's reopening on June 17 and expanded guidelines are available for businesses in English and Spanish.
Several business sectors have been added including:
  • Amusement Parks 
  • Hotels
  • Indoor dining
  • Indoor museums, zoos, and aquariums
  • Indoor recreation (e.g., bowling, movie theatres, etc.)
  • Libraries
  • Outdoor events
  • Personal services (e.g., nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc.) 
  • Sports and fitness facilities (e.g., gyms, fitness centers, pools, etc.)

Businesses and non-profits planning to reopen on June 17 as part of Phase 2 need to visit Connecticut’s self-certification website to certify that they that they are compliant with the reopening rules.  Updated industry-specific requirements are now available for Phase 2.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
Despite efforts to ramp up COVID-19 testing efforts, we still don't have a complete picture of the virus' impact in Connecticut.

To study how much of the state's population has been infected and better inform response efforts, Connecticut is partnering with Yale University, Gallup, Quest Diagnostics and the Jackson Laboratory to launch a project that will identify, through blood samples, people who have developed antibodies to COVID-19.

Results are expected to be publicly available by the end of the month. Further information about the study is available here.
Suitable Work Requirements
Earlier this week the Governor signed Executive Order No. 7UU to permit the Connecticut Department of Labor to consider worker claims where heading back to their workplaces would create "an unreasonable risk" to the health of either the worker or a member of their household. While it could be a factor in considering extending unemployment benefits, it doesn’t assure the continued state support. 
June is Pride Month
June is Pride Month, when the world's LGBT communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be who they are. Pride gatherings are rooted in the arduous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted. Since 1970, Pride Month marks the start of changing attitudes towards a group that for far too long has been marginalized. I am proud to embrace and support diversity and celebrate all our friends and loved ones this month and everyday.