Health District, Towns 'Strongly Recommend' Indoor Mask-Wearing

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — In the past two weeks, COVID-19 cases have increased three-fold in the area, the East Shore District Health Department said. The health department described a set of conditions as a "perfect storm" for COVID-19 transmission.

Along with its member towns, Branford, East Haven and North Branford, the local health department is "strongly" recommending that people wear masks when indoors at all public places "regardless of vaccination status. "

Health officials point to the "virus infection case increase, the influx of the Delta variant ...and the lower-than-expected vaccination rates," as the brew for increased COVID-19 cases.

A news release issued by East Shore health noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified New Haven County as “substantial” for the level of community transmission.

"Masks continue to provide a significant level of protection from the transmission of this highly infectious virus variant. It is important for the public to understand that while indoors, in public settings, the vaccination and health status of other people are unknown," a news release reads. "With that uncertainty, people need to protect themselves and their families by wearing a mask and getting vaccinated if they have not done so already."

East Shore district health said the delta variant is "now reported to be responsible for 80 to 90 percent of the positive COVID cases in Connecticut.

Health officials said that as the delta variant of COVID is "two to three times more contagious and makes people sicker faster," people who are infected, can carry more of this virus than the original virus.

"Being vaccinated and wearing a mask remains the best protection one has from becoming infected and passing the virus on to others," it's noted.

East Shore health said it's "undeterred in its vaccination efforts," with vaccine clinics at several locations across all three towns.

For more information about the vaccinations or to make an appointment call (203) 481-4233 ext. 580 or visit the East Shore District Health Department website.