Stamford Officials Urge Residents To Resume Mask Wearing

STAMFORD, CT — Due to a "substantial rise" in COVID-19 cases reported by the Stamford Department of Health resulting in the hospitalization of several people, Stamford officials are advising residents to increase COVID-19 precautions and mitigation measures as the holidays approach.

According to the latest update from the city, positive cases in Stamford have nearby doubled within the past two weeks. The seven-day average has jumped from 6.2 cases per 100,000 residents on Nov. 7 to 11.3 on Nov. 14.

To that end, Stamford officials are recommending enacting the following safety measures:

• Wearing a face covering when indoors in public regardless of vaccination status
• Implementing frequent hand-washing
• Minimizing close physical interaction during social gatherings and organized activities
• Staying home when feeling ill

The city lifted its mask mandate on Oct. 26 because of improving case numbers, and businesses were allowed to enact their own policy. The mandate had been in effect since mid-August.

"My administration and the City’s Department of Health are deeply concerned with the rising number of COVID-19 cases as we head into the holiday season. It is imperative to realize that we are still amid a global pandemic and certain precautionary measures must be taken to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our neighbors," said Mayor David Martin in a news release Friday afternoon.

"Although the vaccine minimizes many of the detrimental effects of this virus, it is not one hundred percent effective and other steps must be taken during this time of increased socialization to stay safe and healthy."

Martin will soon hand over the reins to Mayor-elect Caroline Simmons, who will be sworn-in to office on Dec. 1.

Acting Director of Health Jody Bishop-Pullan said residents who have not yet received a vaccine should do so to help minimize the risk of hospitalization or death.

"However, those who are vaccinated should still wear a face mask whenever out in public or indoors around others to combat the spread of the virus," she said in a news release.

Residents, visitors, and workers are advised to follow the guidance from Stamford’s Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Face masks/facial coverings are strongly recommended regardless of vaccination status, in the following circumstances

• Any private business that wants a mask requirement
• On public transport such as buses and trains, inside train stations, in airports, and while in ride sharevehicles
• Inside schools and childcare facilities as directed by State authorities
• Congregate facilities, such as nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms/residences, and correctional facilities
• In Stamford Municipal facilities where there is direct interaction between employees and the public

Individuals experiencing any of the following symptoms should stay home and get tested for Covid-19

• Sore throat, even if mild
• New onset headache, even if mild
• Congestion, with or without a runny nose
• New onset cough, even if infrequent
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever of 100.4 or higher
• Fatigue
• Chills or feeling feverish, with or without increased body temperature
• Loss of taste or smell
• Muscle or body aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

For up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including guidance and other resources, visit the state website. Updated guidance will be posted to the Stamford city website in the coming days.