Connecticut residents who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask indoors beginning May 19, Gov. Ned Lamont said Thursday, following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The mask mandate will be lifted for vaccinated people the same day that other COVID-19 restrictions are being rolled back in the state. Beginning May 19, alcohol can be served without food, meaning bars can reopen; there will be no limit to the number of people who may sit at a table in a restaurant; and the business curfew will be moved back to midnight. Read More

Connecticut's governor is offering a new initiative to get the people of Connecticut back to work in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced the "Back to Work CT Initiative," which will give people a $1,000 signing bonus when they get a new job.

This bonus will be for 10,000 individuals who have been long-term unemployed.

Once those people have been in their job for eight weeks, they will receive $1,000 from the state. To be eligible, workers must:

In downtown Hartford and other cities around the state, there are several high-rise hotels. Many are largely dependent on business travelers which in 2020 were hard to find.

Whether it be planes, trains or automobiles, business travelers found their way to the state quite frequently, pre-pandemic. When business ceased however, airports became desolate and the hotel destinations took a big hit.

“As a whole it has obviously devastated us throughout this past year,” said Steve Matiatos, president of the Connecticut Lodging Association. Read More

As part of an incentive to getting a COVID-19 vaccine, the state created a deal with participating restaurants and bars in Connecticut to provide free drinks.From May 19 through May 31, people with proof they are vaccinated against COVID will be offered a drink on the house. It’s part of a program called “CT DRINKS ON US.” A food purchase is required.

Drinks can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

“Could be a lemonade, could be a cool frosty. Probably not their high price champagne, but we’re doing everything we can to give you an incentive so that if you’ve been vaccinated, come on in,” said Gov. Ned Lamont.

If you are a patron of a restaurant and your entire party can show proof of being vaccinated, each person is eligible for a free drink. Read More

From carpentry to masonry and cooking, technical high schools offer classes as career builders for students. But Governor Ned Lamont wants to change the hours that classes are offered and that could effect the whole family.

The future for many Connecticut students start right here. Technical high schools offering classes in manufacturing, culinary arts, automotive repair and carpentry.

The Career Academy Program is funded by the state, but Governor Lamont proposes making changes to it.

After-hours learning would include classes in electrical, heating and cooling, plumbing, sheet metal and barbering. It’s not just for students, but also adults looking to further their education and opportunities in the workforce. Read More