Houses of worship can now hold up to 50% capacity with no limit and the curfew for restaurants has been extended as the COVID-19 positivity rate and hospitalizations continue to trend downward.
Previously, places of worship have had to cut down on their capacity limits. In phase 2.1 reopening, houses of worship could have up to 50% capacity indoors, but that capacity was capped at 100 people with masks and social distancing required.
Now, that 50% capacity stays the same but without any limitations on the number of people.
Governor Ned Lamont said masks and social distancing are still required.
As for restaurants and other businesses, the curfew in place is now extended to 11 p.m. The curfew was previously 10 p.m.
"We appreciate that the governor and his team continue to work with our industry with a focus on reopening Connecticut's economy. This is another step in that direction, and the extra hour will be a benefit to restaurants across the state," Executive Director of the CT Restaurant Association, Scott Dolch, said in a statement.
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At the same time, it's important that we take further steps in the weeks ahead, including fully lifting this curfew just as neighboring Massachusetts and Rhode Island have done. Connecticut can continue to be a leader in fighting COVID while also being mindful of our economic recovery," he continued.
These changes will become effective within the next 24 hours, state officials said during a news conference on Monday.
New COVID-19 Numbers
The state's COVID-19 positivity rate remains steady at 3.86% and 73 more people have died of the virus over the weekend.
Connecticut's coronavirus death toll is now 7,119.
Of over 101,000 tests performed, 3,931 came back positive. A total of 253,954 state residents have tested positive for the virus since it emerged.
On Friday, Connecticut's COVID-19 test positive rate was down to 3.64%.
Hospitalizations have decreased by 73 over the past three days. The are now 912 people with the virus in state hospitals.
The governor said a little over 10,000 vaccination appointments have to be rescheduled because of Monday's storm.
Vaccine Update
A total of 425,144 doses of the vaccine have been administered in the state.
Of those doses, 338,859 were first doses and 86,285 were second doses.
So far, 45% of people 75 and over have received their first dose.
Lamont said there are 4,000 medical reserve corp volunteers helping vaccinate Connecticut residents.
Connecticut remains number 3 nationally in terms of vaccine administration.
