Governor issues – Executive Order 9B – fines for improper mask wearing and social distancing
Last night, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9B – his 70th – which amends current self-quarantine guidelines for travelers from other states with high COVID-19 levels and imposes fines for people who do not properly wear certain protective equipment.
With regard to the implementation of fines, the order enacts:
Authorization for the issuance of fines: Authorizes the commissioner of Public Health, local health departments, municipal chief elected officers, and state and local police to issue fines for violations of certain COVID-19 protective measures. These include:
- A fine of $100 for an person who fails to wear a mask or cloth face covering as required under Executive Order No. 7NNN;
- A fine of $500 for any person or business entity who organizes, hosts, or sponsors a gathering that violates the gathering size restrictions set forth in the DECD Rules for Gatherings and Venues and Sector Rules for Outdoor Events; and
- A fine of $250 for any person who attends a gathering that violates the gathering size restrictions set forth in the DECD Rules for Gatherings and Venues and Sector Rules for Outdoor Events.
I have many questions and concerns with this Order, and I have reached out for answers to those questions, which include but are not limited to:
- Does this order include the authority for random inspections of a business by a health department or police department?
- Are these rules applicable to all entities, including those that are not food/health services or regulated by DPH, such as offices?
- How does someone determine the authority of a health department to issue a fine?
- Is there an appeal process?
- If they are civil fines, will it become a criminal matter if they are unpaid?
- Is it typical that fines levied by local police departments or local health districts/departments are sent to the state’s General Fund?
- Is there a knowing or willing component to attending the event and getting fined? For example, if someone attends an outdoor wedding and doesn’t count the fellow attendees, will they be subject to a fine?
These are only a few of the many questions I, my colleagues in the legislature, and you have regarding this new Order. As soon as I learn more I will forward that information along to you.
More information about the Order can be found at: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2020/09-2020/Governor-Lamont-Coronavirus-Update-September-15