Coronavirus CT Update: Lamont Orders Cloth Masks In Public

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont has officially signed an executive order that will mandate people to use masks in public when close contact is unavoidable. The order will go into effect 8 p.m. on April 21.

Masks or cloth face coverings should be used in places such as grocery stores as well as in any taxi or ride-sharing service along with mass transit. Those who can’t wear masks due to a medical condition as well as children under the age of 2-years-old won’t have to wear a mask.

There is also flexibility for older children whose parents have trouble placing a mask on them. Children in childcare settings won’t have to wear masks either. The state will also update its Safe Workplace rules for employees to wear masks.

The order doesn’t list any penalties for noncompliance.

Lamont announced that he intended to sign the order earlier in the week. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced similar measures for his state.

"I think this is the way we are going to get this virus behind us sooner and make sure we can get everyone back to work as soon as we can," Lamont said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers many tips on how to make an effective cloth mask both with and without sewing. The simplest mask can be made from a bandana or T-shirt along with rubber bands.

Cloth masks should be washed routinely to safely clean them, according to the CDC. It is important not to touch the eyes, nose or mouth when removing a cloth mask and to wash hands immediately after removing the mask.

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See also: Latest Town-By-Town Number of Coronavirus Cases Across Connecticut

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