Governor Ned Lamont has pegged October 8 as the date when Phase 3 openings will begin, eventually returning the state to 99 percent of its pre-pandemic economic operations.

Lamont, along with state Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner David Lehman laid out details during a September 24 press briefing. The plan, he said, will ease some of the restrictions that were put into place on businesses and gatherings, while ensuring that the state continues taking a safe approach to limit spread of the virus.

“The reason why we are able to have a discussion about even entering into Phase 3 is because of Connecticut residents’ collective actions to fight the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Lamont said.

“By taking the sector rules seriously, wearing masks, physically distancing, and washing your hands regularly, I believe that we can continue to keep these rates low while also easing some of the restrictions that were enacted earlier this year. I applaud the residents of our state for what they’ve been doing, and urge them to keep it up,” the governor added.

Business changes in Phase 3 will include:

*Increase from 50 percent to 75 percent capacity indoors — subject to COVID-19 safety requirements — for restaurants, personal services, hair salons, barber shops, and libraries;

*Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks, etc) will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements;

*Indoor performing arts venues will be able to open at 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements; and

*Bars and nightclubs will continue to remain closed.

In addition, Phase 3 also includes the following changes:

Currently limited to no more than 25 patrons and staff, commercial event facilities will be able to use 50 percent of their capacity, capped at 100 people indoors and 150 outdoors. Indoor graduations and religious services will be capped at 200.

For couples getting married, that could mean a church wedding of up to 200, but an indoor reception of no more than 100. Lamont, whose daughter postponed until next year her Labor Day weekend wedding, said the restrictions will be periodically re-evaluated.

CTMirror content by Mark Pazniokas was used in this report.