Timeline of Connecticut Government Actions:
COVID-19 Response
June 12
As part of Phase 2, commercial pools will be able to open. As part of the Reopen Connecticut Plan the State has provided guidance for reopening pools. Pools are included the same section as sports, sports clubs & complexes, gyms and fitness centers.
June 5
On June 5th, Governor Lamont announced that the State Phase 2 will start on June 17th (three days earlier than previously announced).
June 1
Connecticut entered Phase 1 of its reopening on May 20th. While construction, service and essential retail has been open during the last few months, Phase 1 has allowed for non-essential retail and offices to reopen. Businesses must follow specific safety guidelines during this phase. Governor Lamont announced that the State can expect to enter Phase 2 to by June 20th.
Retail and office operations must self-certify that you are following strict safety guidelines to keep your employees and customers safe. Certify your business online here
CT Safety Guidelines
March 23
Pool Companies Located or Operating in Connecticut
Effective Monday, March 23 at 8:00 p.m., all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities are prohibited from participating all in-person work.
The order provides exclusions for any business or entity providing essential services or functions. Essential workers in the 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors, as defined by the federal Department of Homeland Security unless otherwise addressed in a prior or future executive order pertaining to the existing declared public health and civil preparedness emergency.
Pool service and construction fall under two of these critical areas:
9. Construction including:
• all skilled trades such as electricians, HVAC, and plumbers
• general construction, both commercial and residential
10. Services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of all residences and other buildings (including services necessary to secure and maintain non-essential workplaces):
• outdoor maintenance, including pool service
March 19
CT DOH Temporarily Closes Public Pools but Requires Ongoing Operation & Maintenance
The Department of Health in the State of Connecticut announced recommendations that public pools be temporarily closed because public pools are a place where people may gather in larger numbers. The DOH advises that pools should continue to operate and be properly sanitized.
“Closing off the pool area does not mean turn the pump off and let it sit. Public pools are designed to operate 24/7. Stagnant, untreated water is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and could cause other problems.”
March 16
The Governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced efforts to increase social distancing requirements effective at 8 p.m. on March 16, 2020. These requirements pertain to certain businesses (restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and casinos) and social gatherings. On Saturday, March 14th, the Governor of Pennsylvania announced similar restrictions in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.
Other businesses, including pool and spa companies, can operate from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm each day but must adhere to the following
- Offices, meetings and gatherings can have no more than 50 people. Retail operations should keep store occupancy under 50 people as well.
- Employees should follow social distancing guidelines
We recommend that our members with larger staff sizes review staffing plans to ensure any gathering is under 50 people. Options include using staggered schedules, virtual meetings or teleconferences with staff when necessary. It is also important for companies of all sizes to make sure all employees are aware of social distancing guidelines and how to effectively use them when with coworkers and customers. View additional resources from the CDC here.
Additional Guidance for Businesses & Employers
- Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019. View recommended strategies from the CDC here
- Recording workplace exposures to COVID-19: COVID-19 is a recordable illness when a worker is infected on the job. Get full details from OSHA.
Retailers Must Adhere to CDC Guidelines
Retail stores continuing to operate throughout the region must take steps to follow guidelines from the CDC including limiting occupancy to 50 or less individuals (including staff) and following social distancing recommendations
March 16
Connecticut SPB License Holders: CEU Extension
The State of Connecticut has agreed to extend the deadline for the required CEU's for the SPB License Holders to October 30, 2020. You still must renew your SPB License by April 30, 2020. Only CEU requirements have been extended. Our CONSPA chapter will be announcing dates for CEU courses that will take place later this year.