New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced that the city is now mandating all people wear masks indoors starting Monday.
The mandate comes as New Haven County reaches a high level of community transmission for the virus, according to the CDC.
“This is similar to mask mandates we’ve had before,” Elicker said. “It will be indoors, public spaces. So, retail establishments, restaurants when you’re not eating.”
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It follows the governor’s executive order to let municipalities issue mask mandates instead of one statewide order.
The decision comes as COVID cases continue to climb in New Haven County. City Health Director Maritza Bond calls the county-wide rise disheartening.
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“In the past week, the city of New Haven has had 250 new cases, and it’s not necessary when we know vaccines provide protection,” Bond said.
According to Bond, 65% of city residents have had a first dose of the COVID vaccine and 58% are fully vaccinated. They are seeing a gradual increase in people getting shots.
The mask mandate means the city’s COVID-19 task force will continue to make visits to businesses around the city to ensure the order is being followed. Bond describes them as friendly visits to offer information and masks to establishments.
On Friday, Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order mandating that all long-term care facility staff members in Connecticut get vaccinated against COVID-19.
