Youth Theater Suspends Programs Due to COVID-19; Governor Issues New Executive Order

No Boundaries Youth Theater (NBYT) has announced that it is suspending its programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NBYT, formerly called the New Britain Youth Theater, says that,

It is with a heavy heart, and an abundance of caution that NBYT is suspending our programs indefinitely in response to the current COVID-19 public health situation. We will reassess the situation on March 30 along with the State and New Britain Schools and update our plan as necessary.

The Theater said that was wrapping up its 2020 Saturday Classes today, March 14, 2020, and that its, “Winter 2020 Homeschool Classes are on hold until further notice.”

The Theater also says that, “Hobbit and Seas the Day-A Little Mermaids Tale will have no rehearsals until further notice.”

In addition, the Theater it cancelling its 10th Anniversary Gala that has been planned for today at 6:00pm.

“Any updates will be posted to our website, social media, and our voicemail. Participants will be contacted directly by email,” the Theater says.

The Theater asks that people, “also consider donating to NBYT and supporting your artist friends during this difficult time as so many arts and entertainment organizations make tough choices for the public benefit.”

The Theater says that,

NBYT produces a season of performances by and for children and young adults, provides in-school and after-school arts-integrated and arts-enrichment educational programming, and offers drama classes and individual coaching and lessons. NBYT is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and young adults by encouraging creative thinking and collaborative teamwork, fostering self-confidence and self-esteem, and developing social, emotional, and academic skills through involvement in high-quality, affordable, and inclusive programs in the performing arts.

Governor Lamont issues new Executive Order on COVID-19

As of March 14, 2020, Governor Ned Lamont announced that the number of positive cases of coronavirus in Connecticut had reached 20, including one in Hartford County.

Lamont’s office said that the Governor had, “signed his third executive order since the enactment of the emergency declarations earlier this week.” The new Executive Order provides that,

• “state and local government meetings that are required to permit members of the public to attend in-person and authorizes those meetings to be held remotely by conference call or videoconference, provided that the public is provided remote access to view or listen to the meetings and access materials for the meetings.”
• “Allows pharmacists to compound and sell hand sanitizer.”
• “Waives requirements for pharmacists to use certain personal protective equipment when working with non-hazardous, sterile compounds.”
• “Authorizes refunds of liquor permit fees for special events that have since been canceled.”
• “Waives face-to-face interview requirements for Temporary Family Assistance.”
• “Authorizes the Commissioner of Early Childhood to waive certain licensing and other requirements to maintain and increase the availability of childcare.”
• “Authorizes the Office of Health Strategy to waive Certificates of Need and other requirements to ensure adequate availability of healthcare resources and facilities.”

The Governor also said that, “The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced rail service changes on Shore Line East and the Hartford Line as part of the state’s coordinated effort to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. For a list of the service changes, click here.”