Connecticut's COVID Response
Mystic is open! Our hotels, attractions and shopping areas are open with safety protocols in place. Please wear a mask when in public!
All Businesses/Organizations
Capacity limits are now up to 100%, subject to social distancing requirements (unless otherwise noted). However, it is the right of the operator/owner if they choose to operate below 100% capacity.
Performing Arts Venues Capacity limit is still up to 50%.
6 ft. spacing is required between parties.
6 ft. spacing and social distancing continues to be required where possible (unless otherwise noted).
Masks continue to be required in all public settings where social distancing is not possible.
All establishments must follow CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting guidelines.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant
Performers and musical vocalists at restaurants, outdoor and indoor events, and performing arts venues are allowed, subject to the following:
12 ft. spacing or more from the nearest person dining or working (for example, workstations or walking paths used by employees must be included in the 12 ft. distancing).
To maximize the protection of their patrons and employees, businesses/organizations are strongly encouraged to require performers to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) within 72 hours prior to performing.
Beginning Friday, April 2, 2021 - Governor Lamont Announces Plans To Ease Some COVID-19 Restrictions in Connecticut
Outdoor event venues can increase to a 50% capacity, capped at 10,000 people
Indoor stadiums can open at 10% capacity
Summer camps and summer festivals are advised to begin the planning stages to open for the upcoming season
The Art of Reopening: A Virtual Conversation on Reengaging Arts Audiences in Physical Spaces Wednesday, March 23 at 3pm.
With opening remarks by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, this virtual event will highlight best practices of reopening and also consider the outlook for arts organizations who seek to re-engage with live audiences and visitors in 2021.
Moderated by National Endowment for the Arts Director of Research and Analysis Sunil Iyengar, panelists include Rebecca Read Medrano, GALA Hispanic Theatre; Scott Altman, Cincinnati Ballet; and Chloe Cook, Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema. Audience Q&A will be included.
The event is free but please register at https://bit.ly/3luIaVr.
Relevant Articles
The Arts Are Coming Back This Summer. Just Step Outside. (New York Times)
The Bushnell sees the post-COVID curtain going up in October (CT Mirror)
SBA Overview of Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
SBA Frequently Asked Questions (Version 6, 3-12-21)
Prior to the official SVOG application opening, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Those interested in participating can register HERE.
National Endowment for the Arts - The American Rescue Plan and the Arts and Creative Industries
Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund hosted a two-hour ArtsU webinar yesterday covering major components of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which included significant updates on SVOG, PPP, and more.
Resources
Upcoming Cultural Coalition Events
Advance Registration Required HERE
To Register for any of The Resilience Rooms HERE
GMCC Webinar with Ledge Light Health District - Exclusive Update
Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Hartford HealthCare presented a Zoom webinar with Ledge Light Health District and Hartford Healthcare, on Wednesday March 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Stephen Mansfield, Executive Director of Ledge Light Health District, gave an update for SECT with respect to the pandemic including the latest data, testing and vaccination information. In addition, Matthew Kaufman, the VP of Operations for Backus Hospital provided an update and answer questions. This was a unique opportunity to have direct access to the Health District Director and Hospital Vice President of Operations.
MEMBER BUSINESS COVID-RELATED OFFERS
ACTIVEPURE: Protect Your Families, Employees & Customers! ACTIVEPURE TECHNOLOGY Eliminates 99.9% of surface and airborne SARS-COV-2 virus
SEC-TV, Channel 12 is offering FREE airtime to help businesses get through this tough time. (sec-tv.org). Please contact them for more information at info@sec-tv.org
VOX Funding: Access to emergency working business capital
Monro-DeLotto Law, LLC: Employment Laws for Sick Leave and WFH
Emulsion Printhouse: Access to 100% cotton, civilian-grade masks in bulk
LOCAL BUSINESS & TOWN RESOURCES
The Day (All stories related to COVID-19 are FREE)
Stonington Public Schools Food Services Department
Central CT Chambers of Commerce
CONNECTICUT BUSINESS RESOURCES
Paycheck Protection Program loan Money still available!
As of May 1, 2020, 29,559 Connecticut small businesses have been approved for $2,556,813,941 in second round of PPP funding. In total, 47,994 Connecticut small businesses will benefit from $6,708,748,392 to-date from PPP loans!
There is still loan money available to help small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program. The process is smooth and easy and funding can be moved quickly. Find a qualified lender https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ct/hartford
If you are having trouble finding a lender or have questions about the Paycheck Protection Program contact (860) 240-4672 or email: Connecticut_DO@sba.gov
If you are a small business owner who is concerned about the impact of coronavirus, please review the below links to the best resources for your particular situation. The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services granted small businesses an automatic extension of filing and payment deadlines for state sales and room and occupancy taxes. Find out more here.
PLEASE READ this FAQ PAGE PRIOR to filing for CONNECTICUT UNEMPLOYMENT to avoid errors and/or delays.
Follow the Naval Submarine Base in New London online here and here for Facebook
Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program
DECD Guidance for Businesses Impacted
NO-INTEREST LOANS AVAILABLE for Small Businesses and nonprofits through CT DECD: For additional information or questions, contact the Small Business Express Hotline at (860) 500-2333 or via email at decdctrecovery@ct.gov. Emails are preferred as there are a high volume of calls.
OUTSIDE DINING OPTIONS
Abbott's Lobster In the Rough (Seasonal)
Breakwater (out of Go Fish location)
Sea Swirl (Seasonal)
Take-Out & Curbside Pick-up
Breakwater (out of Go Fish location)
Christo's Pizza - Mystic & Pawcatuck
Mystic Market Kitchen & Eatery
Shunock River Brewery & Village Café
Steak Loft (Out of Go Fish location)
NEWS FROM THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers
SBA Low-Interest Loans to Help Small Businesses Affected by Disasters
EIDL Applications Still Processing While Portal Opens for Farms and Agricultural Businesses
SBA has begun accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications on a limited basis only to provide relief to U.S. agricultural businesses. The new eligibility is made possible as a result of the latest round of funds appropriated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To find if your agricultural business or farm may apply, go to www.sba.gov and click on the COVID-19 banner or on: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/.
Applying for the PPP
Applications need to be submitted through a lender. See a list of Connecticut Participating Lenders here or try the lenders below.
If you do not have an existing relationship with a lender try:
PayPal: https://www.loanbuilder.com/ppp-loan-application
Intuit: https://aidassist.intuit.com/app/home#/home
QuickBooks Capital: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/small-business/coronavirus/paycheck-protection-program/
Square Capital: https://squareup.com/us/en/l/sba-ppp-loans
Kabbage: https://www.kabbage.com/paycheck-protection-program-loans/
Veem: https://www.veem.com/
Biz2Credit: https://www.biz2credit.com/
There is also additional guidance on how to calculate loan amounts.
To learn more about the Paycheck Protection Program or to download an application please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program
FEDERAL RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES
Bipartisan Congressional and federal action has opened up new resources for small businesses hard-hit by COVID-19.
Click here for the “Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act,” which provides information about the major programs available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address financial needs and tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
Click here for a flow chart from the House Small Business Committee which provides basic information for new programs and counseling resources.
Click here for assistance for your small business from the US Treasury
Latest FAQ posted by the Treasury Department on the Paycheck Protection Program
Families First Coronavirus Response Act - The U.S. Department of Labor has issued the new mandated Families First Coronavirus Response Act poster explaining the new paid sick leave and expanded FMLA leave benefits available from April 1 through December 31, 2020. New
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Congress created this $350 billion program to provide cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally-guaranteed loans to employers who maintain payroll obligations during this emergency. If employers maintain their payroll, the loans will be forgiven. Click here to learn more.
Small Business Debt Relief Program – This program will provide relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504, and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans, including principal, interest, and fees, for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months. Click here to learn more.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Lower interest loans of up to $2 million, with principal and interest deferment available for up to four years, that are available to cover expenses that would have been met had the disaster not occurred, including payroll and other operating expenses. Click here to learn more.
Emergency Economic Injury Grants – Provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an EIDL. Click here to learn more.