The CTPA wishes to share with its members these links to resources related to the corona virus and how the COVID-19 situation relates to tree care in Connecticut.

In a previous post, we discussed Governor Lamont’s recent Executive Order on Essential Businesses.  Specific guidance as to what constitutes an essential business can be expected on a State of Connecticut web page specifically addressing “the suspension of non-essential in-person business operations”.   That guidance should be posted by 8 pm on Sunday, March 22.  The Governor has directed the Department of Economic and Community Development  (DECD) to do so.  Any concerns regarding the guidance issued should be directed to the DECD.

Additional information regarding the corona virus and COVID-19 has been posted on the State’s COVID-19 web page.

Connecticut is not the only state seeking to use such serious measures to deal with the corona virus.  The question as to what constitutes essential services is not limited to this state.  For that reason, the Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arboriculture have written a joint TCIA / ISA position statement on essential services.  This position  statement may be useful to Connecticut’s arborists and tree care workers.  However, the statement itself may or may not have any influence over DECD as it considers whether tree care is an essential service.

The TCIA also has an excellent web page on the corona virus and COVID-19 entitled, “What Should Tree Care Businesses Know about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Outbreak?”  Included on this jam-packed page are model policies and sample messages regarding COVID-19 that can be used in communication with your clients and with your employees.

CTPA members who have questions or comments should feel free to contact the CTPA office at info@ctpa.org.  They may also contact CTPA President Allan Fenner at afenner@savatree.com.

Stay safe, be healthy and keep a watch out for each other.