Slowly reopening Conn.

T he plan to reopen Connecticut has gone well — so far. Gov. Ned Lamont, using extraordinary executive-order powers during the pandemic emergency, closed down much of the business in the state and ordered all but those judged essential to shelter at home, venturing out only for groceries and other necessary items, or to get safely distanced exercise.

It worked for the general population, denying the highly contagious COVID-19 virus the ability to spread quickly through Connecticut. This bought hospitals time, saving them from being overrun with severely ill patients.

Beginning May 20, the Lamont administration began easing off the restrictions, allowing Connecticut to slowly reopen. In a week, June 17, that continues with more openings, including hotels, fitness centers, indoor dining, libraries, museums, amusement parks, nail salons and tattoo parlors.

About 95% of the economy will be opened in a week, Lamont said at his Monday briefing.

While folks can disagree over some facets of the Lamont administration’s handling of the crisis, overall, it deserves high marks for guiding the state forward.

The percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 has been trending down for weeks now, as have hospitalizations. On Monday, for example, of the nearly 6,000 people tested, only 2% resulted in confirmed new cases.

The strategy was not to assure there was no risk of anyone becoming infected. If that were the standard, Connecticut would not reopen for a long time. The goal was to manage risk. In other words, as Lamont noted, opening more businesses “is a calculated risk.”

Connecticut may yet see an uptick. In addition to the reopening, the recent large and frequent protests could drive numbers back up. The two tribal casinos are back in limited operation. But, best case, the state avoids a spike that would cause renewed closings.

Bars, nightclubs and stadium gatherings await the next phase, as they should.

Businesses will be challenged to adapt to the strict social distancing and sanitation requirements. Masks will remain prevalent. And wary patrons are unlikely to come streaming back. But there is the feeling that a corner has been turned.

Most troubling were the high fatality rates in nursing homes, about 2,600 dead, or 65% of the state’s overall COVID-19 deaths. An independent review ordered by the governor could be critical in better preparing the homes for a potential second wave in the fall.