For the first time since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Ned Lamont told residents looking to get outside for Memorial Day should focus on state parks.

The announcement was made during the governor's outdoor press conference Thursday at Gay City State Park in Hebron.

"We recommend people focus on state parks this Memorial Day weekend," Lamont says.

 

Lamont says he was happy with the job restaurants are doing since reopening and offering outdoor dining service yesterday. 

Connecticut state parks and beaches have remained open throughout the pandemic, but with social distancing and capacity guidelines.

Lamont says the COVID-19 infection rate is down to 3% for those who were tested.

 

Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Katie Dykes outlined some holiday safety guidelines for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer.

Dykes says inland swimming at state parks will be off limits for the remainder of the year, however, shoreline swimming at state beaches will be allowed.

The commissioner says the reason is because of the ability to be more socially distant at the shoreline than at lakes.

Dykes says Connecticut launches a website to help residents with resources on what parks are open outside.