As another critical step in Connecticut’s ongoing effort to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, Governor Lamont has issued an Executive Order requiring businesses to suspend in-person operations for all non-essential functions by Monday, March 23 at 8:00 p.m. Even essential businesses are encouraged to implement telecommuting or safe work-from-home procedures. 

This order does not apply to businesses and non-profits providing essential services or functions — such as healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, grocery stores, gas stations, food service, and law enforcement. You can find complete guidelines on these exemptions as well as an online request form you'll need to submit if you believe your business qualifies for an exemption from this order. Our goal was to make the list of essential businesses as broad as possible while still meeting the public health objectives. I encourage businesses to review the guidance carefully and apply for a waiver only if necessary.

  • DECD has created a COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit dedicated to assisting businesses and non-profits. DECD.COVID19@ct.gov 

  • DECD will also be launching more assistance for small and medium-size businesses and non-profits that are impacted by COVID-19 in the coming days.

We are working around the clock to support our Connecticut businesses and non-profits during these extremely difficult times.

For more information about the coronavirus and how to keep yourself, your co-workers and your employees safe, please go to ct.gov/coronavirus .

Sincerely, 
David Lehman, Commissioner
Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development
GRANT EXTENSIONS
If you have a COA project grant to support a program or event that has been postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please be aware that we will allow you to reschedule and will, if necessary, extend the grant funding period. Be sure to contact the manager of the grant program via email to alert them to the change.


We wish our constituents good health during this difficult time.
CONTACT THE CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE ARTS
Shapiro, Elizabeth
Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums
(860) 500-2360

Dimitri, Tamara
(860) 500-2377

Koba, Bonnie
(860) 500-2379

Olisky, Rhonda
(860) 500-2452

Rivera, Lourdes “Lu”
(860) 500-2332

Schneider, Jane
(860) 500-2393