Stamford Enters New Normal As Most COVID Restrictions Are Lifted

Stamford CT

19 May, 2021

5:46 PM

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STAMFORD, CT— Stamford residents entered a new normal on Wednesday, as most of the COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place in Connecticut for over a year have been lifted. Vaccinated people are not required to wear masks outdoors or indoors; only those who haven't been vaccinated must wear masks on an honor code system. Businesses and state and local government offices have the option to require masks to be worn. They will still be required by everyone in certain settings such as healthcare facilities, facilities housing vulnerable populations, public and private transit, correctional facilities, schools and childcare. For Stamford Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Heather Cavanagh, Wednesday represented a new beginning for the city's businesses, patrons and consumers. "Some of the businesses are coming back gradually and slowly, and others will be more in full force," she said. "Everybody is being mindful and cautious, but at the same time there's a whole lot of excitement out there." Cavanagh said the days leading up to Wednesday were filled with questions from businesses about what they could and couldn't do. It will all be up to each business owner's comfort level. "From some of the emails I've received, everyone is thinking a little bit differently. Everyone is excited to go forward, but they're trying to decide what are the best measures for them going forward in their place of business. There isn't a general consensus right now. There isn't a cookie cutter approach," Cavanagh said. Cavanagh thanked residents for their support to Stamford's businesses over the last year. She believes brighter days are certainly ahead. "Even though we lost some iconic institutions this past year, new businesses have emerged throughout the pandemic," she said. "Every time you look around a different corner, there's a different retail place or restaurant. Get out there and support them because they are what makes Stamford so special." On Wednesday, Stamford resident June Laben said she was out and about at a local car dealership, and at several retail stores in Greenwich. She noted that masks were only being worn indoors. Stamford Mayor David Martin said that Gov. Ned Lamont's updated mask mandate is "one of the many benefits" that comes with getting the vaccine. "I encourage those who are not vaccinated to please do so. With cases continuing to trend downward and Stamford having the highest vaccination rate among the largest cities in Connecticut, we should all feel optimistic today," Martin added. "However, in order for us to reach our goal of a 70% vaccination rate in our community and eliminating COVID, we must continue to work to get more people vaccinated."