In an effort to allow for small businesses and restaurants to expand their services, Governor Lamont has authorized Phase 1 of the Re-Open Connecticut to begin on May 20th.
In complete alignment with the State, the Town of New Canaan has developed a plan that will allow for eligible small businesses to open for in-store shopping and for outdoor dining to resume.
It cannot be emphasized enough that all plans call for the safest protocols possible. The decision to open an eligible business is at the complete discretion of each business owner, some have opened right away and others are waiting a few days or weeks. Please be patient as each business is working hard to comply with all the the State's health and safety regulations.
The outdoor dining plan for Elm, Main and Forest Streets consists of allowing restaurants without private patio spaces already to take the entire space on the sidewalk and the Town is in the process of creating safe pedestrian pathways to ensure the six-foot social distancing can be maintained. Downtown restaurants will be opening for outside dining starting tomorrow (Friday May 22nd) Please call ahead to the individual restaurants to make a reservation. Remember this plan is in motion as we speak, and Town of New Canaan Planning and Zoning, Health Department and Department of Public Works along with each Restaurant is working hard to make sure patron, employee and pedestrian safety is the top priority.
Patrons of the restaurants will be asked to wear masks as they enter and exit the restaurant's outside seating area .
All retail stores will require shoppers to wear masks upon entry as per the Governor’s orders.
The Town of New Canaan has also embarked on a consistent, unified messaging campaign to help residents understand the current rules regarding masks and social distancing. Many thanks to local resident
Paula Winicur, a creative marketing consultant and graphic designer. Paula volunteered her services to the Town of New Canaan to design the signage that will begin to appear downtown and on various social media networks. Paula's campaign tells the story that "Its Up to All of Us" to #ComeBackStrong.
