We’ve Got Your Guide to Feeling Safe and Staying Informed of Downtown Bridgeport’s Reopening

 

Updated May 15, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. First, thank you to all of you who have supported Downtown Bridgeport businesses and “loved your local” shop or restaurant while maintaining safe social distancing practices these past two months. It has meant the survival of many of our community’s businesses. Recently, Governor Lamont announced how Connecticut businesses could begin to reopen as early as Wednesday, May 20th, based upon recommendations from public health experts and members of the business community.

This guide includes information on what to expect, and how to stay safe, whenever you choose to go out for al fresco dining, pick up that new pair of kicks, or enjoy OUTDOOR activities at your favorite museum or zoo. If you are not yet ready to come back Downtown, many of our restaurants are open for pick up, delivery, and curbside service; retailers have offerings for purchase online; and you can buy a gift certificate or pay ahead from personal service businesses. Check out what’s available here and below. Please help us to spread the love in colorful Downtown Bridgeport and share these ways to “love your local” in store or from home!

Restaurants and Food Businesses: Per Governor Lamont’s guidance, restaurants can open outdoor dining at up to 50% capacity, no indoor areas or bars. All tables must be at least six feet apart. Customers are required to bring and wear masks or cloth face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth. Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols will be enforced. Also, hand sanitizing stations must be available to you. Only paper (disposable) menus or menu items are to be posted on a display board. The Governor is encouraging individuals over the age of 65 or with other health conditions to not visit restaurants, but instead continue to stay home and stay safe. Learn more about the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Reopening Restaurants here.

Retail: In Phase 1, retail businesses can open at up to 50% capacity. Social distancing markers should be visible and clearly encouraging customers to stay six feet apart. Fitting rooms must be closed at all clothing stores. All retail locations must have physical barriers installed at checkout, as well as encourage the use of contactless payment. Customers are required to bring and wear masks or cloth face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth. Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols will be enforced. Also, hand sanitizing stations must be available to you. The Governor is encouraging individuals over the age of 65 or with other health conditions to not go shopping, but instead continue to stay home and stay safe. Learn more about the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Reopening Retail here.

Personal Services: These include hair salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy. Hair salons and barbershops will not open June 1st, and the opening date for tattoo shops and massage therapy has not yet been announced. You can still support these businesses by purchasing a gift certificate now to enjoy later:

  • Creative Instinkts Tattoo: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 384-2645.
  • Evolution Tattoo: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 333-9100.
  • Forever Custom Tattoos: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 367-3837.
  • Lafayette Barber Shop: Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 334-9725.
  • Lane’s Hair Designs: Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 576-9785.
  • Middle Street Barber Shop: Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 333-9313.
  • Posh Beauty Bar: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 334-0282.
  • Preventative Healthcare Solutions: You will have that great massage to look forward to at the end of this wild spring! Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 870-8008.
  • Rapha Massage: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 808-0047.
  • Victor’s Tailor Shop: You’ll need to tailor those pants after all that working out at home! Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 333-2922.

Arts and Entertainment: These establishments would be limited to outdoor areas only, so many of our Downtown arts and entertainment establishments will not be able to open on May 20th. Learn more about the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Reopening Outdoor Museums and Zoos here. You can also support your favorite music/art/comedy/gaming/culture spot by purchasing tickets in advance and/or making a donation:

Professional Offices: Governor Lamont’s task force recommends employees continue to work from home where possible. For those of you who may need to visit a professional services office, check out the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Reopening Offices here.