Connecticut Governor Lamont Orders Closure of Additional Businesses, Reschedules Connecticut's Primary Election and Orders all Nonessential Workers to Remain Home

Connecticut Governor Lamont Orders Closure of Additional Businesses, Reschedules Connecticut's Primary Election and Orders all Nonessential Workers to Remain Home

In the continued fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, Connecticut Governor Lamont signed another Executive Order (No. 7G) on March 19, 2019, directing the closure of nail salons, barbershops and hair salons. Governor Lamont’s newest Executive Order builds on the restrictions and closures ordered in his previously signed Executive Orders, reported in our March 17 and March 19 Alerts.

In relevant part, Executive Order 7G requires:

1. Connecticut’s Presidential Primary Election will be rescheduled to Tuesday, June 2, 2020 to protect the health and safety of all voters and poll workers.
2. All non-critical court operations and associated requirements are suspended. This includes statutory venue requirements, time requirements and all requirements or deadlines related to certain matters in the Connecticut Appellate and Superior Court.
3. Restaurants and bars may sell sealed containers of alcohol or liquor for pick up provided the sale of alcohol accompanies a takeout order of food that is prepared on the premises and the alcohol or liquor is one that would have been permitted for on-premise consumption. Additionally, restaurants or bars may only sell alcohol and liquor during the hours of operation of other package stores in Connecticut.
4. Effective at 8:00 p.m. on March 20, 2020, all barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing parlors and other related places of business must close to the public.
5. All investigations regarding allegations of elder abuse will be extended by up to 90 days. Further, investigators may use alternate means to conduct an in-person visit when investigating a report of elder abuse.

On Friday afternoon, March 20, 2020, Governor Lamont announced that he will be signing an Executive Order shortly that mandates, among other things, that all nonessential businesses close. Employees may continue to work from home and telecommute. According to his press statement earlier this afternoon, details regarding this order will be forthcoming in his executive order, which will also provide for exemptions. Exemptions are expected for defense contractors, some manufacturers, grocery stores, pharmacies and other “necessary businesses.” Based on early reports, restaurants will still be able to remain open for takeout services.

Employers’ Bottom Line: Employers can expect additional Executive Orders by Governor Lamont over the coming days and weeks as the number of cases of COVID-19 rises. Employers should continue to adapt and be ready to implement the additional orders as they are announced. Employers should ensure that all employees are able to work from home where possible in order to maintain business continuity. Employers whose employees cannot work from home and who are forced to close or reduce operations as a result of COVID-19 should evaluate all options, including unemployment, for employees. Employers should also be cognizant of current federal legislation mandating paid sick leave and paid Family and Medical Leave under certain circumstances and look out for further actions by the Governor to aide struggling businesses. Employers may review a summary of current federal legislation here. Of course, FordHarrison attorneys are always available to assist you in implementing these changes and ensuring compliance with these Orders.

If you have any questions regarding the issues addressed in this Alert, please contact the authors, Johanna Zelman, jzelman@fordharrison.com, Sami Asaad, sasaad@fordharrison.com, Michael Harrington, mharrington@fordharrison.com, and Elizabeth Smith, esmith@fordharrison.com, all attorneys in FordHarrison’s Hartford office.

FordHarrison is closely monitoring the spread of Coronavirus and has implemented continuity plans, including the ability to work remotely in a technologically secure environment when necessary, to ensure continuity of our operations and uninterrupted service to our clients. We are following all CDC guidelines and state and local laws as applicable. We are committed to ensuring the health and welfare of our clients, employees, and communities while continuing to provide our clients with the highest quality service. Please see our dedicated Coronavirus Taskforce page for the latest FH Legal Alerts and webinars on Coronavirus, as well as links to governmental and industry-specific resources for employers to obtain additional information and guidance. For more information or to be connected with a Coronavirus Taskforce attorney, please contact clientservice@fordharrison.com.