The following is an update from First Selectman Ken Kellogg:
MONROE, CT — As of last evening, the State Department of Public Health is currently reporting total number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Monroe at 82, while the total number of deaths remains at six.
Outdoor seating for restaurants: As I mentioned this past weekend, Monroe must stand ready to help our businesses operate to the greatest extent possible, while protecting public health and safety. As we all know, the Governor has shared his intention to allow restaurants to resume limited, onsite operations after May 20th, provided they can accommodate outdoor seating.
We must recognize that many establishments may, with the permission of the property owner, desire to pursue this option and may wish to explore the use of non-traditional areas, such as a portion of their parking lot.
While I anticipate that the state will provide further rules and guidance in this regard, I want to ensure that restaurants may start planning now. Today I issued an emergency directive that suspends certain regulations, and allows for administrative approval for restaurants to provide outdoor seating and service, so long as they comply with state rules and requirements.
I have tasked our Director of Health to facilitate a process for restaurant owners to submit an “Emergency Outdoor Seating Plan,” which will be reviewed by a small team for the purposes of protecting public health and safety.
Plans will be reviewed expeditiously and there will be no fees charged. Our Health Department will be contacting our restaurant owners in the near future, so they can be ready for May 20th.
