Christine Palm

While I am sure we are all eagerly anticipating a return to looser Covid restrictions, it’s absolutely vital to remember that we are still very much in the midst of the pandemic. This week the State passed the grim and heartbreaking milestone of more than 8,000 Connecticut Covid deaths. So, while it’s tempting to head into the warm days with abandon, we must continue to be cautious.

That said, this week Governor Lamont announced the following changes, which will unfold over the coming weeks:

Effective May 1:

• Bars that do not serve food can open for service on an outdoor-only basis. However, these establishments will still be prohibited from serving only alcohol indoors.
• The 8-person per table limit will be lifted for outdoors only. This limit will remain in effect for indoor service.
• The curfew for restaurants, entertainment venues, recreation venues, and theaters will be moved to midnight.

Effective May 19:

• Contingent upon a combination of sufficiently low infection rates and increasing vaccination rates, all remaining business restrictions will be lifted. The Department of Public Health will issue recommendations for indoor and other large outdoor events, such as concerts, as well as clarify where masking will continue after May 19.

To ensure the health and safety of all, please continue to wear a mask when around others (the state mandate on wearing masks indoors remains in effect until at least May 20th, pending an extension) and please consider making an appointment to get vaccinated if you have not done so already. Those two measures are the surest ways out of this public health crisis. As I have said before, this pandemic will not end until we all stop believing we are the exception to the rule.

If you are having trouble getting an appointment for a vaccine, please call my office for help at 860-240-8355.