CT leading the nation
Single-Use Plastic Bag Fee Suspension to Expire June 30
Governor institutes quarantine for out-of-state travelers
Survey reminder
News and notes from around the state
Happy 4th of July
- As we go to print with today’s FF, Connecticut is one of only four states in the nation that are on track to contain COVID-19, according to a study by Covid Act Now.
- The organization is highlighting the state’s steadily decreasing rate of cases, while also stating that its preparedness efforts “meets or exceeds international standards.” The other states are New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
- As we know, we have to keep up the good work to keep the virus contained. But, we also have to keep the messaging up that CT retail stores are SAFE places to shop.
Single-Use Plastic Bag Fee Suspension to Expire June 30
- Also, just as FF went to press, an important notice issued jointly by the state Departments of Public Health, Energy & Environmental Protection and Revenue Services.
- The temporary suspension of Connecticut’s single-use plastic bag fee, originally implemented by Executive Order on March 26th, is set to expire on June 30, 2020.
- Retailers should prepare to resume collection of the state-level plastic bag fee on July 1, 2020.
- As before, the plastic bag fee, which applies statewide at the rate of $0.10 for each single-use plastic bag, is collected by retailers and remitted to DRS on state sales and use tax return.
- The announcement states that guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), given the most current scientific information available, is that reusable bags do not serve as a significant source of infection for COVID-19.
Quarantine for out-of-state travelers in place
- Earlier this week, Governor Lamont, in coordination with New York and New Jersey, announced that he was instituting a mandatory quarantine, effective yesterday, for out-of-state travelers coming into CT from specific states. Hartford Courant has the story here.
- How does it impact retail employees who may need to travel? If you have questions or concerns about the quarantine policy, please contact Tim at CRMA. We’ll share your concerns with state officials.
- You can reach him via email tim@ctretailnetwork.com
Survey reminder
- Last week we introduced another in our series of short surveys that we have started to gauge retailers’ views on important issues and trends that are taking place during this time.
- We encourage you again to please take a few minutes and complete our latest survey.
News and notes from around the state
- The state of Connecticut has spent more than $93 million on personal protective equipment, with the aim of building its own stockpile. CTNewsJunkie has the story here.
- Lamont and Democratic legislators appear to have different visions of how to rebalance CT’s finances amid the current crisis. CT Mirror has details here.
- State Department of Motor Vehicles offices announced reopening plans this week, with not all services available at all offices, and advance appointments needed. CTNewsJunkie has the details here.
- New housing construction in Connecticut grew in May, as the number of home permits issued more than doubled compared to a year ago, despite economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19. Hartford Business Journal has the numbers, here.
- Finally, yesterday the Governor outlined plans for what schools will look like when it is time to go back to school in the Fall.
- Among the items that the Governor and Education Commissioner outlined yesterday were:
- All students and adults will be required to wear masks; they will be encouraged to eat lunch in their classrooms or outside, and follow strict safety measures and social distancing.
- More details are expected to be released on Monday of next week. Meanwhile, the CTNewsJunkie has details of the announcement yesterday here.
Happy 4th of July! Celebrate next weekend safely