Updated Mask Protocols
Connecticut continues to move forward in its vaccination efforts and rates of new infections have steadily decreased over the past few days. Starting tomorrow, May 19, 2021, new safety protocols concerning face masks will be implemented in Connecticut following updated recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Masks will no longer be required in outdoor settings, and individuals who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear masks or socially distance in indoor settings. Masks will still be required in certain settings such as healthcare facilities, facilities housing vulnerable populations, public and private transit, correctional facilities, schools, and childcare. And, of course, masks are still required in indoor settings for those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
Private business, state and local government offices and other event venues may also choose to require masking – the state will simply no longer mandate it for the vaccinated. Therefore, it is still important to keep a mask on hand while you’re out and about.
Many of you have asked about how and if the state will determine who is vaccinated for these purposes. There are no current plans in that regard. Generally, right now, people are on an honor system. Personally, I would like to see something more rigorous than that, but it is the subject of further debate and discussion at the federal and state level.
Keep in mind, as noted, that private businesses can still require masks – and your employer, in most circumstances, can also require proof of vaccination for you to go back to work in the office or enter its premises. I expect we will be hearing a lot more about these issues in the days and weeks to come as we get adjusted to this new normal of living with the virus and those who refuse to be (or, for medical reasons cannot be) vaccinated.
As the state begins to fully reopen, it is important that we get as many people vaccinated as possible to avoid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. If you still need to get a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit ct.gov/covidvaccine or call 877-918-2224 to learn more about our state's COVID-19 vaccination program or to schedule a vaccine appointment. A list of vaccine clinics accepting walk-up patients can be found here.
Tomorrow is going to be a bright day as our state begins to reopen and recover from the coronavirus pandemic.