Required Use of Masks/Face Coverings

Friends and Neighbors,

As part of the effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 7BB requiring the use of cloth face coverings or higher level protection in public in situations where close contact is unavoidable. The order takes effect at 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 20th.

The use of masks has been encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after recent studies indicated that the virus can be spread by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals interacting in close proximity.

The Executive Order requires;

• Any person in a public place in Connecticut who is unable to or does not maintain a safe social distance of approximately six feet from every other person shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering.
• Individuals shall use a mask or cloth face covering when using the services of any taxi, car, livery, ride-sharing or similar service or means of mass public transit, or while within any semi-enclosed transit stop or waiting area.
• The commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development will be required to update the previously issued Safe Workplace rules and Safe Store rules.
• Nothing in this order shall require the use of a mask or cloth face covering by anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition, anyone under the age of 2 years, or by an older child if the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child is unable to place the mask safely on the child’s face. If a person declines to wear a mask or face covering because of a medical condition as described above, such person shall not be required to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition.

The CDC has published a guide on how to effectively use face coverings and an instructional video on how to make a cloth face covering.

The state continues to maintain a web portal with the most up-to-date information and statistics on COVID-19, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions document that is updated regularly.

I would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during this virus outbreak. This has been a very difficult time for many, and it is sometimes hard to remember that this situation is temporary. Please let me know if I may ever be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Tami Zawistowski – State Representative – 61st Assembly District

As always, if you have questions or concerns regarding state government, please contact me at tami.zawistowski@housegop.ct.gov. You can also follow my legislative activity on my website at www.RepZawistowski.com.