New Haven, Connecticut, mayor Justin Elicker has called for the state — and the Northeast — to return to the strictest phase of reopening to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A Phase One shutdown would include a ban on indoor dining and close most businesses.
“I have relayed our belief to the governor that we should tighten up more than we currently are. We feel pretty strongly that we should be doing more to — I don’t want to use the word lockdown — but to reduce people’s opportunities to interact,” Elicker said.
The state is currently in Phase 2.1, meaning restaurants can open at half-capacity if they have social distancing guidelines in place.
“I think we need to work as a region — not just as a region like New Haven County, or even the state of Connecticut, but with our partner states. Because we’re not an island, as is clear with the spread of the virus just about everywhere,” Elicker said.
Governor Ned Lamont didn’t address Elicker’s request in his Monday afternoon briefing on COVID-19.
Surveys of companies say most small businesses feel they wouldn’t survive another shutdown.
