Mask Mandate Lifted In Hamden: Mayor Leng

Hamden CT

29 October, 2021

4:03 PM

Description

HAMDEN, CT — Mayor Curt Balzano Leng, in consultation with the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, has rescinded the emergency order mandating masks for non-municipal public areas in Hamden. The order previously required face coverings and masks to be worn by all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public spaces throughout Hamden. The order also required the wearing of masks or cloth face coverings for all outdoor gatherings of more than 250 people at town facilities or parks. "While requirements for face coverings in general public areas has been rescinded, the wearing of masks or cloth coverings that are compliant with CDC guidelines shall still be required in Town owned buildings," according to a news release from the mayor's office. "Buildings under the jurisdiction and control of the Board of Education shall be required to abide by the Governor's Executive Order No. 12A, which states that masks must be worn in school buildings regardless of vaccination status. Therefore, masks are required at all polling locations for the November 2nd municipal election." Leng said he rescinded the order based on current data. "On the state COVID-19 map, Hamden has moved down to 'yellow' - meaning a reported 5-9 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 during the weeks of 10/10-10/23," the news release states. "Hamden had previously been in the 'orange' for many weeks, indicating cases in the 10-14 per 100,000 range. Along with the reduced cases, the percentage of Hamden residents vaccinated continues to slowly increase. For the last reporting period (updated on 10/27), Hamden's percentage of population of all ages who had at least one dose of vaccination was 68.02%, which is an increase of 0.75% since last report." Leng and Hamden officials will continue to meet with the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, and consult state guidance from Governor Ned Lamont and the CDC in the "coming weeks and as further scientific information regarding the Delta variant or any other COVID variant becomes available," according to the news release. "Residents are reminded to please GET VACCINATED and to heed further guidance issued by the CDC in regards to booster shots," the news release states. "While Hamden's mask mandate has been lifted, it is still strongly encouraged that individuals continue to take precautions and wear face coverings when indoors and out in public. The CDC continues to recommend that all individuals, even the fully vaccinated, take precautions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19." For complete information on vaccine clinics in the local Hamden area and Greater New Haven Region, visit here or contact Cornell Scott Hill Health at 203-503-3000.