Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has urged state residents to avoid a rush to the stores for the traditional Black Friday sales.
He said retailers have extended their Black Friday sales over the next few weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And most of the sales are also available online.
Lamont has also increased the fine for large businesses violating COVID-19 rules from $500 to $10,000 per violation. He said the stiffer fines should be an adequate deterrent that would help the state curb the spread of COVID-19 infections.
“While the overwhelming majority of businesses in Connecticut have shown an incredible amount of leadership and have been fantastic partners in this front, we have seen a small number of businesses in flagrant violation of these public health rules, and that’s all you need to cause a super-spreading event that leads to a large number of cases and hospitalizations.” Lamont said.
Other fines for violations of the state’s COVID-19 rules include $500 for organizing an event over capacity limits, $250 for attending events over capacity limits, $100 for failure to wear a face mask or covering when in public, and up to $500 for violations of the state’s travel advisory.
Small businesses have taken a hard hit this year as COVID-19 forced consumers to change their shopping habits.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said if residents are going to the stores, to shop local this holiday season.
“These small businesses are the backbone of our economy, they create jobs, they provide great service and I hope that consumers will support them, particularly during a pandemic,” Blumenthal said.
Blumenthal reminds shoppers to wear a mask out in public and keep 6 feet away from others.
