Mask mandates reinstated in parts of Connecticut

Stamford mask mandate

Stamford Mayor David Martin says he isn't happy about having to reinstate a mask-wearing mandate but says he has to do it given the surging coronavirus cases.

STAMFORD, Conn. - Bridgeport, Hartford, and Stamford will be mandating indoor mask-wearing amid another coronavirus surge fueled by the delta variant, officials said. Hartford and Bridgeport's requirements will take effect Wednesday and Stamford's will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday, the mayors of those cities said.

Stamford Mayor David Martin said the delta variant of the coronavirus has driven cases up in his city from just three to four in mid-June to 175 cases last week.

"I'm unhappy about this. I don't like having to do it," Martin said. "But we need to keep our community safe, we need to stop this delta variant."

Under the reinstated mandate, masks will be required inside all public places like restaurants, stores, and salons. They'll also be required at large outdoor events in public parks, like the Hey Stamford Food Fest at Mill River Park, where Nelly is performing Saturday and thousands are expected.

The mandate comes even as Martin said 85% of Stamford residents over 12 have had at least one vaccine shot, a number he wants to see go even higher.

Adrianno Vidi, the manager of the restaurant Kouzina on Stamford's Main Street, said he understands the need to bring back masks for now, and some of his customers agreed.

"I definitely agree with it, if it's going to help bring things back to normal," Vidi said.

Enforcement officers will issue warnings, and penalties in the form of fines, or shutdowns, where necessary.

Vidi hopes most customers will comply, so his staff doesn't have to police.

Martin said he understood businesses concerns but believes ultimately this will ensure the city's economy continues to run smoothly.

"I realize it is a challenge," he said. "But if we don't stop this delta variant from torching through our community we're going to suffer an economic disaster as well."

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said in a statement that the city can't afford to reinstate closures or capacity mandates.

"But we can use better judgment and make an easy adjustment to our own behaviors by simply getting vaccinated, and return to putting on a mask," Ganim said.

Bridgeport's mandate will follow federal guidelines and apply to indoor facilities such as restaurants, grocery stores, theaters, gyms, and retail stores.

Hartford's rules will apply to anyone indoors in the city with exceptions for medical conditions, children under 2, people eating or drinking and office spaces where work spaces are separated by partitions.

New Haven became the first city in Connecticut to mandate masks in indoor spaces Monday after Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont granted municipalities the authority to require masks. Lamont has not reimposed statewide mask requirements.

Back in May, Connecticut lifted its mask mandate for vaccinated people but businesses could require patrons to wear them.

That changed with the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Connecticut rising above 200 for the first time since early May. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in the state has risen over the past two weeks from about 220 on July 25 to about 540 on Sunday.

With The Associated Press.