On the eve of Connecticut’s cautious reopening Wednesday, Gov. Ned Lamont has expanded the authority of local municipalities to legally enforce social distancing and other orders when people or businesses do not comply.
Many of the requests from the governor, from wearing masks in public to social distancing, were previously difficult to enforce under state law, but a new executive order Monday broadens law enforcement authority and add to the definition of what is legally considered a public nuisance.
Lamont’s executive order on Monday evening also repeals previous orders and extends a state of emergency in the state through June 20, prohibiting large gatherings and closing numerous facilities, from movie theaters to gyms.