Face Coverings to Be Required in Connecticut Public Places

With each passing day, the State of Connecticut is doing more and more to promote social distancing and take the proper precautions in the battle against the spread of the novel coronavirus, the latest being an order that will require residents to wear face coverings in public.

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In his 29th executive order since Connecticut has enacted declarations of both public health and civil preparedness emergencies, Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Friday, April 17, anyone who visits a public place at which close contact to other individuals is unavoidable, is required to wear either a cloth face covering or higher level of personal protection equipment (PPE).

The order, which officially goes into effect on Monday, April 20, at 8:00 PM, applies to any individual who does not or is unable able to maintain a safe social distance of six feet from any other person. Coverings can be either made of cloth or can be a specifically designed mask, but each persons mouth and nose are required to be covered up.

The governor's executive order goes on to say that masks or face coverings are also required for anyone riding in taxis, car services, livery services, ride-sharing or any other means of mass public transit, or while within any semi-enclosed transit stop or waiting area.

If a Connecticut resident can not wear a face covering due to any sort of medical condition, they will be required to produce documentation verifying the condition.

In a citywide alert to residents, Mayor of Danbury Mark Boughton backed the State of Connecticut's latest order.

"Governor Lamont is recommending that Connecticut residents wear a mask when going to the store or outdoors," said Boughton. "Your mask could be a bandanna, medical mask, or anything that will cover your nose and your mouth."