Greenwich Changes Mask Policy, Town Employees Must Get Vaccinated

GREENWICH, CT — The Town of Greenwich is making adjustments to its mask and vaccination policy as the highly-contagious delta variant of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread nationally and locally in Fairfield County.

Previously, masks were only required in Town Hall, but now they're required universally indoors, according to an announcement from First Selectman Fred Camillo on Friday evening. The new policy will be effective immediately with enforcement beginning Aug. 23.

Gov. Ned Lamont issued an Executive Order that provides municipal leaders with the option of requiring masks or face coverings in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.

"I believe it is a small inconvenience to make this minor, temporary adjustment to our daily lives," Camillo said in a news release. "Wearing a mask when in common areas indoors in a public facility or a business, office, store or restaurant will go a long way to protect the health and safety of your co-workers, neighbors, and most importantly, you and your family."

The temporary measures are "designed to prevent a return to the constant cancellations of events and closures of businesses and various facilities last year," the news release from Camillo's office added.

Additionally, Camillo said, all town employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than Sept. 27, the same deadline that has been imposed upon all nursing home staff, state employees, and all staff in public and private K-12 schools statewide.

Camillo said the town will use Executive Order No. 13D as a template for vaccination verification, exemption and testing. Additional details will be shared with town employees shortly, Camillo said.

As of Friday, there have been 5,421 residents who have tested positive since the pandemic began in March 2020. There have been 24 new cases since Tuesday, Aug. 17. The Greenwich Health Department is currently tracking 77 active cases in town.

"The delta variant is highly contagious, similar to the chicken pox," said Health Director Caroline Baisley in a news release. "We are seeing an increase in cases within families with children who are unable to be vaccinated. It spreads through the family but the vaccinated family members are reporting mild symptoms. We know masking works. We know social distancing works."

Greenwich Hospital President Diane Kelly praised Camillo and his emergency management ream for making the change in policy. Neighboring cities such as Norwalk, Stamford, and Westport have made changes to mask policy in recent days.

"At our hospital and throughout our health system, we wear masks at all times and I applaud First Selectman Camillo’s decision to require masking in Greenwich. We also encourage our community to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones," she said.

Camillo thanked town employees for their "continued dedication to providing the services to residents during these challenges."

"By abiding with these temporary adjustments, I am sure we will be able to safely return some normalcy in our lives," he said.