East Hartford to Lift Town Facility Mask Mandate on March 1st, 2022
East Hartford, CT— Mayor Mike Walsh announced Friday, February 25th, 2022 that the Town of East Hartford will be lifting its mask mandate, effective March 1, 2022. This change is based on the significant reduction in COVID-19 community transmission based on the number of cases and laboratory test positive rates, as well as vaccination coverage among East Hartford residents.
“East Hartford has made tremendous progress as it relates to increased COVID-19 vaccination rates and decreased transmission rates,” said Mayor Mike. “We thank the residents for following COVID-19 prevention measures as we strive to keep our community safe.”
During the recent wave due to the Omicron variant, East Hartford’s average daily case rate increased to 324 per 100,000 Town population by the last week of December, but since then has rapidly declined to approximately 8 per 100,000. The latest 7-day average COVID-19 lab positive rate has declined to 5.6%.
“Although masks will no longer be required in Town facilities, we encourage unvaccinated individuals and persons at high-risk of severe illness due to underlying health conditions to continue to wear a mask in indoor settings, and masks will be made available to all guests in town facilities,” said Director of Health Laurence Burnsed.
Residents are advised of the following details regarding mask use in specific settings:
- Childcare centers and home daycares are encouraged to continue requiring masks for employees and children two years and older since most children in daycare settings are not yet eligible for vaccination.
- Masks are still required when using public transportation due to ongoing mandates from the federal government.
- Businesses still have the ability to require masks for employees and customers. Organizations are encouraged to determine if a mask requirement is needed based on the risk of exposure and severe disease due to underlying conditions among staff or population served.
East Hartford residents have done a great job following COVID-19 vaccine recommendations with 84% of residents, five years and older, receiving their first dose, including approximately 80% of adolescents 12 to 17 years of age. However, there’s still room for improvement among young children five to 11 years where 32% have received a COVID-19 vaccine. 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.
Please be advised the Health Department continues to offer free and accessible vaccination clinics. If you have not received your vaccination, there is still time to do so. 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.