Gov.’s Lamont (CT), Cuomo (NY), and Murphy (NJ)
Summary:
Unsatisfied by the lack of federal coordination surrounding prevention measures for COVID-19, the Governors of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey announced a regionalized plan set to go into effect on March 16, 2020. As of March 16, 2020, only these three states are involved, but talks are in place to coordinate efforts throughout the Northeast.
The aim of these efforts is to prevent extensive community spread of the SARS-COVID-2 virus before infected patients overload the capacity of local healthcare providers and hospital systems.
Regarding businesses (applied until further notice):
- As of 8:00pm EST, all service in dining facilities will be limited to take-out/delivery/drive-through
- As of 8:00pm EST, all bars, movie theaters, gyms, and other workout facilities/studios must close
- CT and NY are strongly advising tribal casinos to close; NJ casinos will close as of 8:00pm, 3/16
- Essential establishments (grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, gas stations, etc.) can remain open after 8:00pm EST
- Non-essential establishments can remain open, but must limit occupancy to less than 50 people at a time, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and must close at or before 8:00pm EST
Regarding public spaces (applied until further notice):
- By 8:00pm EST, no social or recreational gatherings larger than 50 people may occur
- All schools in CT will be closed from 3/16/2020 to (at least) 3/30/2020
Recommendations (applied until further notice):
- All three states strongly discourage nonessential travel from 8:00pm to 5:00am
- Stay home as much as possible (all people)
- Older adults: take special care
