Greater Danbury area towns will extend the mask requirement to include all publicly used indoor spaces effective today. This is in place in Bethel, Danbury, Ridgefield, Redding, Brookfield and New Fairfield.
Bethel recently imposed a mandatory mask requirement in all town-owned buildings, regardless of vaccine status, but First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker says the most recent data on the COVID-19 “Delta” variant shows a continued rapid increase in spread.
Face masks are being required in all indoor areas, both public and private, regardless of vaccine status, where safe social distancing cannot be maintained. Business owners are advised to post notices at all entry points to inform the public of the requirement. Exceptions include private residences, work spaces not accessible to the general public, outdoor dining and indoor restaurant dining when seated at the table.
Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi says that the prime motivation for the mandate was to protect the vulnerable under 12 population who are not yet eligible for a vaccine. He says the Delta variant has been found to be more easily contracted, especially by children, and can be spread asymptomatically to unvaccinated family members with the potential for serious consequences.
Marconi added that keeping the schools open is a priority, and while vaccinations are the best line of defense, masking up can protect the community.
