Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is limiting the amount of visitors allowed at state parks and issuing fines to those who do not practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials announced.

Connecticut state officials made the announcement in a press release Wednesday, which read in part, "Connecticut is announcing stricter measures to support safe, solitary enjoyment of outdoor spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7R authorizing DEEP to prohibit walk-in visitors at state parks in an effort to maintain social distancing in parks and outdoor spaces. Concurrently, DEEP is announcing plans to limit parking capacity at certain parks to manage visitor levels."

The DEEP says while state parks remain open for solitary recreation, they are closely monitoring park visitorship, and are closing parking lots when lots become full in order to lower parking thresholds where necessary.

Officials with DEEP say Gov. Lamont's order gives them discretion to impose penalties on individuals who enter parks after they have reached capacity.

Penalties include fines and even arrests, up to and including Class D felony charges for interfering or obstructing any lawful civil preparedness activity.

 

In addition, any person who violates the ban will be subjected to a 30-day ban from all state parks and other lands under DEEP’s oversight.

They say the new measures will help manage parks safely as warmer weather is anticipated to attract more visitors to state parks.