I’m confused, but that’s nothing new.

By living in Massachusetts we are taking the return to have a far more open society with a cautious series of steps.

If we lived in another state, things would be different. Why is that? Is the virus not as much of a threat? Will more people take better precautions?

Different state; different rules; different people; different virus?

So, across the border in Connecticut we have a series of different rules for re-openings. According to information released by the office of Gov. Ned Lamont, on May 20, restaurants with outdoor areas could open, as well as non-essential retail, personal services such as hair cutting and styling, outdoor museums and zoos. Manufacturing, construction, essential retail and childcare were already open. Offices can re-open only if people cannot continue to do their jobs from home.

Of course, just like in the Bay State, there are rules. You’ve got to read the fine print. In Connecticut they are:
• Capacity limit of 50 percent for businesses that reopen.
• Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols in all settings.
• Those who can work from home should continue to do so
• Those in high-risk groups (comorbidities) and over the age of 65 should continue to stay safe and stay home.
• Facemasks should continue to be worn in public at all times.
• Social gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of 5 people.

There are detailed instructions for the opening of non-essential retail from ventilation to social distancing markers to partitions

It’s sort of like Massachusetts and sort of not. Cross the border and you will have a somewhat different result, right?  

Let’s go north. On May 15, Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont announced the amendment of that state’s stay-at-home rules. Private campgrounds, marinas and lodging facilities can re-open on May 22, but with guidelines.

WCAX TV reported, “Those guidelines include a 25 percent capacity limit and a month-long record of all guests so the state can contact trace for COVID cases if needed. Compliance is based on the honor system.”

The report continued, “But under the rules, out-of-state visitors will still have to quarantine for two weeks, meaning many visits would be impractical.”

Vermont is waiting until June 1 to make an announcement about the reopening of restaurant, bars and personal services.

In New Hampshire – live free or die, by the way – “Effective on May 11, 2020, all retail establishments may open their physical facilities to workers, customers, and the public and resume in person operations if they operate in accordance with the following guidelines. Retail establishments who are currently open due to provision of Essential Services must begin operating in accordance with these guidelines immediately.”

Yes, there are safety rules here, many of them familiar, including masks and social distancing.

The two sovereign Native American nations in Connecticut are planning to re-open the casinos complexes there on June 1 according to NBC30.

“The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe announced Wednesday that they will begin reopening portions of their reservations on June 1.

“Portions of both Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun will reopen on that date with new safety guidelines in place, including the wearing of personal protective equipment and social distancing guidelines.

“The tribes said they collaborated to create new safety protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic, and said that their policies are ‘consistent with or exceeding the State’s phased guidance and safety protocols’ … During the first phase of reopening on June 1, concert venues, buffets and poker rooms will remain closed, and restaurants will be open only for takeout.

“The properties will also aim to welcome only Connecticut and Rhode Island residents. They will not be marketing to New York or Massachusetts, and they will not accept out-of-state buses.

“Officials also said employees will receive training on infectious disease safety and proper sanitation protocols.”

Lamont reportedly wasn’t too happy about it but the state cannot do anything.

What’s a soon-to-be 66-year-old overweight diabetic to do? I’m a tad fatalistic these days, but I really don’t want to die just yet, especially from the virus. So my intent is to stick around in my home state, wear a mask, social distance and work primarily from home. As much as I love our bordering states and they have to offer, I’m staying close to home just now.