New London County Government: Declaration Of State Of Emergency For City Of New London (Mask Mandate)

Press release from the New London County Government:

8/27/2021

DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR THE CITY OF NEW LONDON

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, the Governor of the State of Connecticut declared a public health emergency and civil preparedness emergency for the State of Connecticut, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sections 19a-131 and 28-9, in response to the global pandemic of COVID-19 disease associated with a novel coronavirus that is currently affecting multiple countries and states; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a national emergency to combat the coronavirus that is currently infecting the population of the United States; and

WHEREAS, on July 27, 2021, as a result of the increased transmissibility of the now-dominant Delta variant of SARS-COV-2 (the “Delta variant”) and the resulting increase in COVID-19 infections, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance recommending that all people, including those who are vaccinated, wear masks or face coverings indoors in areas of substantial or high COVID-19 transmission; and

WHEREAS, according to the CDC, as a result of increased infection rates and the higher transmissibility of the Delta variant, all eight of Connecticut’s counties are considered areas of substantial, or high, transmission; and

WHEREAS, due to the significant adverse impact on public health of COVID-19, and the acceleration of the spread of the disease, the Mayor must take action for the purpose of ensuring civil preparedness and mitigating the adverse effects of this emergency situation upon the residents of New London; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor has determined that in order to slow the spread of the Delta variant, protect our residents and those visiting, and conducting business within our communities, it is right and proper and consistent with good preventive public health practices to follow the current CDC guidelines on wearing masks or face coverings in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status; and

WHEREAS, on August 5, 2021, the Governor of the State of Connecticut issued his Executive Order 13A, granting municipalities the authority to take necessary steps to halt the spread of COVID-19, particularly its high infectious Delta variant, specifically authorizing municipal orders requiring masks or face coverings in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED that, pursuant to the powers and duties granted in the Connecticut General Statutes and pursuant to the authority and powers granted by Executive Order 13A issued by Governor Lamont in response to the civil preparedness and public health emergency now facing the City of New London, effective on Monday, August 23, 2021 at 12:01AM, the wearing of masks or cloth face coverings that are compliant with CDC guidelines is required in any indoor public spaces, meaning spaces to which any member of the public has access, except when eating or drinking; and

IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that, also effective Monday, August 23, 2021 at 12:01AM, regardless of vaccination status, the wearing of masks or cloth face coverings that are compliant with CDC guidelines is required in any private indoor business, and in any places of employment, where social distancing is impractical, unlikely, or difficult to maintain, within the City of New London, except when eating or drinking; and

IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that nothing in this order should be deemed or construed to counteract, reverse, withdraw, revoke or otherwise amend any previously or subsequently issued order, unless expressly stated; and

IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that those with relevant medical conditions rendering them unable to wear masks and face coverings; children under the age of 2; while eating or drinking; and for people who are alone in an office setting or are separated by a partition from other people, are exempt from this order; and

IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED, that this state of emergency shall remain in effect until October 22, 2021, unless terminated sooner; and

IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED, that this order shall be available for review and inspection in the Office of the City Clerk of the City of New London during regular business hours and shall be posted on the City website.

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Dated: 8-18-2021                                            ___________________________________

                                                                                    Michael E. Passero

                                                                                    Mayor

This press release was produced by the New London County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.