In deciding to delay the next phase of Connecticut’s reopening, Gov. Ned Lamont last Monday acknowledged that as COVID-19 surges in other states, Connecticut cannot fully control its fate, even as its outbreak continues to diminish.
Connecticut’s coronavirus strategy now hinges mostly on what happens elsewhere.
“Every governor in the country that opened up their bars a month ago regretted it,” Lamont said. “They said it was probably a mistake: ‘We couldn’t enforce it. People couldn’t social distance.’ I take that to heart. They told me personally. And why repeat a mistake when you don’t have to?”
An alarming spike in dozens of states and cities has left Connecticut trying to avoid what is unfolding in much of the rest of the nation. The news website Vox pointed out that Connecticut is one of just four states that has made “strong progress” in containing the coronavirus.
Dr. David Banach, a UConn Health epidemiologist, said although the state didn’t need to roll back its reopening, a slowdown made sense in light of outbreaks elsewhere.
“From what we’re seeing in other parts of the country, there is definitely some reason to pause,” Banach said. “I think the key thing is to go slowly but to continue to move forward in a calculated way.”
Connecticut’s COVID-19 metrics have trended in an encouraging direction in recent weeks, as the state’s rate of positive tests has fallen below 1% and the number of patients hospitalized with the disease has decreased from nearly 2,000 in April to fewer than 100 now. Connecticut is now among just a small group of states where the virus is not rapidly spreading.
Still, Lamont has chosen a cautious approach in reopening, noting that many states currently facing outbreaks reopened quickly, leading to large crowds in bars and other venues.
Lamont announced Monday he would postpone the third phase of Connecticut’s reopening process, originally scheduled for July 20, which would have allowed restaurants and other businesses to operate at a greater capacity and brought the state another step closer to its pre-pandemic state. Additionally, the state announced Tuesday that Delaware, Kansas and Oklahoma had been added to its travel advisory list, bringing the full list to 19 states. Travelers from those states are asked to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Connecticut.
The pause on reopening means private gatherings will remain capped at 25 people inside and 100 people outside, bars will remain closed, larger outdoor weddings won’t happen and restaurants and entertainment venues will continue to operate with restricted capacity.
Dr. Jeannie Kenkare, chief medical officer of PhysicianOne Urgent Care, said she was “pleased” to see Connecticut slow its reopening process.
“I think it’s a good decision, just based on what we’re seeing across the country and how much other states are being affected,” Kenkare said. “What happens in other parts of the country is a reflection of how those states have opened up and behaved, so I think it’s prudent to use them as an opportunity to learn from.”
The reaction from business owners affected by the reopening slowdown has been more mixed.
“All of us bar owners and nightclub owners have taken it on the chin. We’ve been hurt more than anyone else,” said Don Denley, owner of the Hungry Tiger in Manchester. “We want to keep our place safe. We want the governor to know that if he opens the bars and then the numbers spike, we won’t be the reason they spiked.”
Justin Michael Morales, managing partner at the Marlborough Tavern, called Lamont’s decision “a big disappointment.”
“In normal times, we have a very busy bar. It is a driving force for us. It counts for a good 40 percent of our business. When you eliminate that right off the bat, that hurts,” Morales said. “I guess we’re just going to have to ride it out like everyone else.”
But among the disappointed restaurant and bar owners, there is also a grudging acceptance of Connecticut’s cautious approach.
At Hartford’s Chez Est, owner John Pepe said he was upset by the postponed reopening but “even more upset with the other states, the other governors, not taking this seriously.”
“It really bothered me to see friends of mine on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, posting videos and pictures of them on packed dance floors with no masks on and here I am not able to make a move to keep my business alive,” he said.
What saved him, Pepe said, was the installation three years ago of a full commercial kitchen, shifting his focus from bar-nightclub to bar-restaurant. He is now open for indoor and outdoor food service at one-third capacity with reduced hours, with karaoke, open mics, bingo and entertainment.
Finances have been tight, but he is optimistic. “If business stayed what it is now, I can sustain myself until this gets further down the line and people feel more comfortable,” he said.
At Eli Cannon’s in Middletown, “nobody is going to be thrilled” by Lamont’s decision, said Rocco LaMonica, co-owner of the restaurant with his wife. He said bar business was good before the shutdown and there has been only outdoor dining since restrictions have been eased.
“It’s not ideal, but we just have to roll with the punches. This is what’s safe for everyone right now,” LaMonica said. “Connecticut in general is doing a good job of keeping everything down.”
And for some businesses, Lamont’s decision to pause reopening means no business at all.
“It’s obviously a very unfortunate situation,” said Nina Musumeci, director of operations at Bond Ballroom in Hartford. “We want to provide people with the wedding of their dreams, but it’s just not feasible right now.”
She said her phone has been “ringing off the hook” with concerned brides and grooms, including one couple planning to get married in September, since Lamont’s announcement.
Musumeci said she fears “the whole year is going to be a loss” unless a vaccine is found.
“Everyone has their fingers crossed. We’re taking it day by day. But this really put a damper on everyone. Everyone is so nervous.”
Alex Putterman can be reached at aputterman@courant.com.
