Mask Mandate Updated In Westport: First Selectman

WESTPORT, CT — First Selectman Jim Marpe announced Thursday the town has issued a temporary indoor town-wide mask mandate, which goes into effect Monday.

In a statement, Marpe said both Fairfield and Easton issued similar mask mandates Thursday as a regional response to the spread of the coronavirus delta variant. Neighboring cities such as Norwalk, Stamford and Bridgeport currently have mask mandates in place.

Under the mandate, masks will be required in indoor public spaces, including retail establishments, restaurants, gyms, workout studios or other businesses, as well as galleries, museums, performance spaces, places of worship and government buildings.

Marpe said businesses may still require proof of vaccination to enter, but a mask will also be required.

The first selectman also noted the rise in cases of the virus in Westport over the past two weeks will likely place the town into the "substantial transmission" or "red" category, as defined by the CDC, this week.

The state Department of Public Health strongly recommends all residents over the age of two, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, wear masks when in indoor public spaces, Marpe said.

A recent executive order from Gov. Ned Lamont provides municipal leaders with the option of requiring masks in indoor public places within their respective towns and cities for all individuals, regardless of their vaccination status.

Mark Cooper, the director of health for the Westport Weston Health District, noted residents should still take necessary precautions against the virus, regardless of their vaccination status.

"The COVID- 19 vaccine is the most powerful tool against infection and severe illness," Cooper said in a statement, "but the increasing number of breakthrough infections after vaccination are a reminder that no vaccine is 100 percent effective. As long as there continues to be cases of COVID-19 in Westport, it is important to continue the use of the other tools at our disposal to reduce transmission such as masking when indoors and in large outdoor crowds, hand washing, social distancing and limiting gathering sizes. This is particularly important as we approach the start of the new school year and to those young people who are unable to be vaccinated as they return to the classroom."

According to Marpe, private social gatherings appear to be a growing source of transmission. In light of this, residents are asked to reconsider social gatherings and be mindful of transmission that happens within the home.

Residents are also urged to keep gatherings to outdoors if possible and get tested, even if they only feel cold-like symptoms. Following CDC guidelines for masking against the delta and other variants is also important, whether a resident is vaccinated or not.

"I am grateful that Westporters recognize the importance of wearing masks and getting vaccinated," Marpe said in a statement. "It is for our physical and mental health and safety that we remain vigilant, and at the same time, be respectful to others who may have differing opinions. We have come a long way in combatting this virus. While this development may seem like a step backward, it is undoubtedly necessary until the time comes when all have the capacity to be vaccinated and COVID-19 is a more manageable, non-life-threatening virus. We are stronger together."

Further information is available on the WWHD website.