As Connecticut continues to make progress in safely reopening the state for residents and visitors, businesses have an important role to play in helping us stay on the right track. The State of Connecticut has released guidelines regarding eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as rules for businesses that are allowed to reopen starting May 20. It is essential that businesses take these rules as the minimum baseline of precautions needed to protect public health in Connecticut and refer to industry recommended guidance for best practices. The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open.
The guidelines state that a 50% capacity limit is in place for businesses that reopen, strict cleaning and disinfection protocols should be used in all commercial environments, and those who can work from home should continue to do so. Essential businesses have been allowed to operate without distinguishing between employees based on their age or general health condition. The CDC has provided a Resume Business Toolkit designed to help employers reduce the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the impact on their workplace by reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business environments. It is not recommended that an essential company make these distinctions unless expressly required by the state in the future.
The Connecticut Retail Merchants Association (CRMA) is dedicated to advocating for the Connecticut retail industry, as the voice of retail businesses on the State Capitol and before state agencies. By now, essential businesses, both retail and otherwise, should be well-versed in DECD's workplace rules. As the economy starts to move again, companies will want to turn their attention to core operations. The Business Reopening Working Group will work with you and your staff to address the many challenges ahead.
CRMA has finalized a collaboration with a Connecticut company, Sign Pro, located in the Plantsville section of Southington, to obtain a complete package of signs that retailers must comply with state reopening guidelines. In addition, Access Health Connecticut ensures that eligible uninsured or underinsured children, families, and single adults have access to affordable health coverage. The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides immediate assistance to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, including 7 (a), 504 and microloans.