Gov. Ned Lamont says as long as hospitalizations related to COVID-19 continue to decline, the economy in Connecticut could begin to reopen on May 20 during a phased-in strategy. 

The Gov. made the announcement during a press briefing Thursday.

He says the first businesses to reopen would be:

 

-Restaurants—but with outdoor seating only—no bar areas.

-Retail stores that weren't deemed essential

-Offices—but working from home is still encouraged when possible

-Hair and nail salons

-Museums and zoos—but outdoor spaces only

-Outdoor recreation—like camping and mountain biking

-University research programs

Gov. Lamont says the state is going to reopen in four phases, and that May 20 would be considered the first phase.

Each phase will open at least four weeks apart, and will have a certain degree of guideline levels associated with them.

Level 4 guidelines will accompany phase 1 which will have the strictest set of guidelines including the wearing of protective face masks.

In order for things to reopen on May 20, there's a number of criteria, Gov. Lamont says.

 

-A 14-day decline in hospitalizations—Connecticut is currently at eight straight days.

-An increase in testing for 42,000 tests a week by May 20

-Adequate hospital capacity

-And an adequate supply of personal protective equipment

 

Gov. Lamont says the state is on track for phase 1 to begin on May 20, but, of course, that could change.

The advisory group stresses once things start to reopen that social distancing is still a top priority.

As for schools, Gov. Lamont says he'll likely make a decision next week whether to reopen them.