STAMFORD, CT – Stamford Mayor David Martin announced details for Reopen Stamford ahead of Phase 1 of Reopen Connecticut planned for Wednesday, May 20. The City of Stamford’s website now has comprehensive guidelines for reopening businesses within each of the four industries part of Phase 1 of Reopen Connecticut, including Museums and Zoos, Offices, Retail, and Restaurants (https://www.stamfordct.gov/reopenstamford). These guidelines are the result of advisory groups formed by the City of Stamford for each industry to develop and create local guidelines for reopening Stamford.
“The success of reopening Stamford relies on the public’s trust in our ability to keep them healthy and safe,” said Mayor David Martin. “We’ve provided comprehensive resources for businesses to help them keep everyone safe and avoid health risks. We’ve also provided direct contact with our advisory groups to cover additional questions or concerns. My staff has worked around the clock on the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and we are now pivoting to help businesses reopen while keeping our community safe. While we are at the beginning of reopening Stamford, we are not at the end of the health risks created by this virus. Residents must continue to follow social distancing guidelines and take this virus seriously.”
Each industry has a dedicated section on the City of Stamford’s website for Reopen Stamford with guiding principles for social distancing, reopening processes specific to each industry, how the physical space of a business can be set up, proper cleaning and disinfecting practices, as well as personal protection and health guidance for employees. These sections include guidelines provided by the State of Connecticut and guidelines specific to the City of Stamford, ensuring businesses in Stamford need only visit the City’s website for all the information they need for reopening.
Businesses are strongly encouraged to check these guidelines to ensure they are in compliance with all requirements and apply for the necessary permits. For example, Stamford restaurants seeking to provide outdoor dining must apply for a temporary outdoor dining permit. Governor Ned Lamont’s Executive Order No.7MM allows for temporary permits for the duration of the public health emergency, but businesses must still apply for these permits through the City of Stamford’s website.
In addition to these temporary permits, Mayor David Martin has waived the fee of typical outdoor dining permits for the summer season.
Reopen Stamford’s Advisory groups have been formed to help address specific questions and concerns for businesses in each industry. Each group includes a health advisor, city advisor, industry advisor, and community representatives including members of Stamford’s Board of Representatives. Industries with a larger presence in Stamford may have multiple advisors, such as Stamford’s restaurants industry which includes indoor high-end dining and small pick-up orientated eateries.
Any business, organization, or individual can contact the City with their question or comment for the advisory groups by visiting www.stamfordct.gov/reopenQ and filling out the provided form. Questions and comments can also be directed to 203.977.5115. City staff will respond to inquiries as soon as possible.
