East Hartford Lifts the Town-Wide Mask Mandate

East Hartford, CT— Mayor Mike Walsh has lifted the town-wide mask mandate, effective November 9, 2021. The mask mandate has been in effect in the Town of East Hartford since August of 2021 in response to the emergence of the COVID-19 Delta variant and the town’s increase in COVID cases at that time.

Effective immediately, Town facilities will no longer require vaccinated visitors to wear masks, although mask wearing by all in indoor settings is still encouraged, and masks will be made available to all guests.

 “East Hartford has made a tremendous progress as it relates to increased COVID-19 vaccination rates and decreased transmission rates,” said Mayor Mike. “We will continue to monitor our COVID-19 transmission trends and reconsider a mask mandate if our community experiences another surge.”

During the recent fourth wave due to the Delta variant, East Hartford’s average daily case rate increased 25.2 per 100,000 Town population by the first week of August, but has gradually declined to approximately 11 per 100,000 over the last several weeks. East Hartford joins other municipalities that have recently lifted their mask mandate due to improvements in community transmission. 

This announcement does not impact the Governor’s executive orders that still requires masks regardless of vaccination status in certain settings where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is higher or where the population within such settings faces a greater risk of severe health effects due to COVID-19.  Such settings include healthcare facilities, facilities housing vulnerable populations, public and private transit, correctional facilities, schools, and childcare. Private businesses and employers can still choose to adopt their own mask requirements. Additional detailed information regarding the State’s mask protocol is available on the Department of Public Health’s website.

As noted in the State’s protocols, certain settings and programs may require employees and participants to be masked at all times regardless of vaccination status. Due to interaction with high-risk populations, such as children and seniors, masks may be required off all staff and participants in particular Town facilities and programs. Specifically, East Hartford Public Library and WIC offices will maintain the universal mask mandate for all staff and visitors regardless of vaccination status.  

Unvaccinated individuals are still advised to wear a mask in settings where a social distance of at least 6 feet cannot be maintained. Additionally, local businesses are asked to encourage masking for the protection of their staff and employees. Masks reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread when they are consistently used by customers and employees, especially when physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain. 

Please be advised the Health Department continues to offer free and accessible vaccination clinics throughout town. If you have not received your vaccination, there is still time to do so. Additionally, the Health Department has scheduled several clinics for children ages 5-11.

 “We have a wonderful response from East Hartford adults 45 years and older with 91% receiving their first dose; however, there’s still room for improvement among 12 years and older as well as young adults where 72% have received a COVID-19 vaccine, said Director of Health Laurence Burnsed. "High rates of vaccination against COVID-19 help reduce transmission, which is especially important to protect very young children who are not yet eligible for vaccination, and our most vulnerable residents."

For a schedule of COVID vaccination clinics, please visit this link.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324.