Town Leaders Make The Rules When It Comes To Masks

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — It will be up to the leaders of the towns of Chester, Deep River and Essex whether or not masks will be required in indoor public places.

Thursday, Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order that provided town and city leaders with the option of requiring masks in indoor public places, for all residents, within their local jurisdiction, regardless of vaccination status.

According to an article written by Patch staff member Rich Kirby,"Lamont said he issued the order at the request of municipal leaders who wanted to return to the universal mask requirements that were implemented near the beginning of the pandemic. Lamont has argued against universal masking in the state, as many towns throughout Connecticut have achieved high rates of vaccination."

The article goes on to quote Lamont as saying, "Connecticut has one of the highest vaccination rates in the entire nation, and for that the residents of our state are to be applauded. That being said, there are some pockets of the state that are lagging behind others, and some leaders in those areas have requested the option of requiring everyone to wear masks until they can get their vaccination rates higher."

With reporting from Rich Kirby.