What can you do?

DO THIS SUMMER

Visit the state’s only zoo, go to museums and malls — with masks and social distancing, of course.

As Connecticut slowly reopens following the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed the lives of over 3,000 state residents since March, there will be a lot more things to do — but plenty of restrictions are still in place. Here are five things you can and can’t do this summer based on current state and local guidelines.

CAN 1. Visit the state’s only zoo.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is scheduled to reopen on June 1. While current guidelines from the state mandate that visitors only be granted access to outdoor facilities, much of the Bridgeport zoo’s habitats and attractions can be found outdoors. If the state can continue its downward trends in fatalities and hospitalizations, indoor zoo exhibits are on the list for Phase 2 of reopening, which is tentatively set for June 20.

2. Head to the Riverwalk for a stroll.

Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti shut down the city’s section of the popular Riverwalk on the morning of April 6 after he noticed others not following social distancing and group guidelines from the state. Social distancing protocols and face coverings are required; gatherings of more than five people are prohibited, but that number is set to increase to 50 in late June, if the conditions are met.

The Riverwalk, also known as the Derby Greenway, Veterans Park and the Slab in Shelton, is about a 4-mile walk from downtown Shelton through downtown Derby. It winds along the Housatonic and Naugatuck rivers. While the Ansonia section is blocked off, the rest of it is still open to the public.

3. Visit a museum.

As with the state’s only zoo, museums across Connecticut can only reopen outdoor facilities as of May 20. Indoor museum exhibits could get the go-ahead June 20 or whenever Phase 2 kicks in.

4. Shop at local malls.

There hasn’t been any definitive date given for when the state deems malls are safe enough to reopen, but some — including the Westfield malls in Trumbull and Meriden and the Connecticut Post mall in Milford — have opted to reopen with restrictions in line with social distancing protocols and other state guidelines.

5. Dine at your favorite restaurant — one way or another.

With Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening came the possibility for restaurants to reopen to outdoor seating on May 20. Establishments that are unable to, or choose not to, offer outdoor seating can continue to do curbside pickups and deliveries. And, indoor dining hopes to get the green light as part of Phase 2. Bars, however, will have to hold out until Phase 3.

CAN’T 1. Host a family reunion.

Depending on what is safest for you and your loved ones, opt for a visit over a video service like Zoom, a visit through a window or outside with a distance of at least six feet between you with masks on.

But for the time being, hold off on any family or friend summer reunions. With current state mandates, groups of more than five are not allowed to gather for fears of further spread of the virus. That number may up to 50 people in Phase 2, and perhaps 100 in Phase 3.

2. Throw a big Memorial Day celebration.

Many see Memorial Day as the unofficial kick-start to summer, usually accompanied by parades, barbecuing and celebrations.

But with state guidelines requiring gatherings to be limited to five people or less, parties are pretty much out of the question this year. With the 50-person limit tentatively corresponding with June 20, Fourth of July may be fair game. And for Labor Day, 100 may be possible.

3. Read a magazine in a waiting room.

(Unless you bring your own!) State guidelines instruct that waiting rooms be free of magazines or other items that patients might touch. They’ve also been told to provide touch-free payment options.

4. Break social distancing rules at state parks.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection plans to not only reduce parking capacity, but also to close beaches for the day if visitors can’t follow social distancing guidelines. If deemed necessary, longer-term closures could be possible. DEEP recently upped the social distancing requirement on shoreline beaches to 15 feet between people. Swimming at inland state parks has been banned.

5. Attend Fourth of July fireworks.

Even with the Phase 2 extension to 50-person gatherings, many communities have already canceled their fireworks out of concerns too many people would show up.