LYME/OLD LYME/AREAWIDE — (from a press release) After consulting with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) legal team it has been determined that LLHD is the responsible entity for enforcing the Governor’s Executive Orders, as they pertain to regulated entities such as foodservice and cosmetology establishments that are operating in violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders.
Ledge Light Health District will be issuing an order of closure to any establishment in violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders.
While waiting for clarification from the State regarding its authority and requirement to issue orders to close, LLHD did conduct a courtesy inspection of one cosmetology establishment when health district staff received word that the establishment owner planned to open in violation of Governor Lamont’s decision to delay the reopening of salons and barbershops.
“Our primary responsibility is to protect the public health and assure, to the extent possible, that all possible measures to prevent the spread of disease are being taken in each situation,” said Stephen Mansfield, LLHD Director. “We were notified that this establishment owner intended to move forward with opening and while we wanted to review health and safety measures with her even as we waited for clarification from the State regarding our authority and mandate to issue a closure order.”
“LLHD has been going above and beyond for the communities they serve during this challenging time. The voluntary actions taken this morning by LLHD to ensure the safety of a business owner and her customers, are further evidence of that,” said Danielle Chesebrough, Stonington First Selectman.
“Many of us share in the frustration of business owners and non-profit organizations looking to get back on their feet; however, with the clarification received today from the State, LLHD is now doing what is being required of them. We ask residents, businesses and organizations for their continued patience and civility during this challenging time.”
Director Mansfield emphasized LLHD’s commitment to working to promote community health, stating that “Ledge Light Health District will continue our efforts to respond to the changing nature of this pandemic and the decisions made at the state level to support the health and safety of our communities.”
Editor’s Note: Ledge Light Health District serves as the local health department for both Lyme and Old Lyme, as well as East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, New London, North Stonington, Stonington and Waterford. As a health district, formed under Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-241, LLHD is a special unit of government, allowing member municipalities to provide comprehensive public health services to residents in a more efficient manner by consolidating the services within one organization.