Residents Urged To Wear Masks In Westport's Indoor Public Spaces

WESTPORT, CT — First Selectman Jim Marpe announced this week residents are strongly encouraged, but not mandated, to wear a mask in indoor public spaces in Westport due to increasing coronavirus cases in Fairfield County.

In a statement, Marpe said the town is not mandating masks at this time, however residents are urged to wear one in retail establishments, restaurants, gyms, workout studios and other businesses, as well as galleries, museums, performance spaces and government buildings.

Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont gave municipal leaders the option of requiring masks in indoor settings. On Tuesday, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling announced masks will be required in all Norwalk establishments, regardless of a person's coronavirus vaccination status, beginning Friday.

New mask requirements in Connecticut come as the highly contagious delta variant of the virus continues to sweep across the nation.

"Given the rapid spread of the delta variant, we are requesting that residents return to a higher level of vigilance," Marpe said in a statement. "This pandemic does not know borders or buildings. The delta variant is much more contagious than COVID-19 and extra precautions are warranted. Wearing a mask and exercising caution, whether it is in Westport, another community or in a place of business, should be consistent."

Marpe noted town officials have listened to other communities and understand that various approaches to increased mask usage are being explored, particularly based on community size, density and transmission rates.

"We also understand that some businesses in Westport, including most gyms and some restaurants, have returned to requiring masks for all visitors, customers and staff," Marpe said. "Most retailers are requiring staff to wear a mask. We request that everyone respect and comply with the conditions set by these individual establishments."

Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce president Matthew Mandell said chamber members were encouraged to "vax up and mask up" in an email Tuesday. He also noted wearing masks should not make residents feel uncomfortable inside local businesses.

"Wearing masks should not deter anyone from going about their business," Mandell said. "We did it for months before and doing so now will protect not only themselves, but all the workers they interact with in stores and restaurants. Most importantly, everyone should get vaccinated."

Joe Dedovic, owner of Outpost Pizza in Westport, said he believes any customer who feels comfortable wearing a mask should wear one. If not, that's their choice.

"The only thing that I would recommend and I truly believe, mask or no mask, is distancing, I think, helps more than anything," Dedovic said, "and obviously washing your hands and surfaces and so forth. I think that's the best way to stop the spread. I think a mask only does so much...my biggest thing is as long as you keep distance and as long as you keep clean, I think you'll be OK."

Marpe said while those who are being hospitalized due to the virus are "overwhelmingly unvaccinated," there is still cause for concern among those who are vaccinated.

"The delta variant of [the coronavirus] is very new, and more is discovered each day about vaccine efficacy," Marpe said. "It is beneficial for everyone's health and safety to wear a mask because it protects yourself and others and slows the spread."

Marpe noted some Westport residents, including children under 12, are unable to be vaccinated, so it is incumbent upon the community to help protect each other.

"From the beginning of this challenging time, I have stated 'we are in this together.' Now, more than ever, that message is important. In my opinion, the personal choice to wear a mask reflects compassion for all of our neighbors, families and friends."

Town officials have implemented the following safety protocols at Town Hall, the Westport Library and other town facilities, regardless of a person's vaccination status:

• Visitors and patrons of all town buildings including the library are required to wear a mask.

• Walk-ins will continue to be allowed in Town Hall. Visitors must follow contact tracing, mask requirements, temperature checks and other safety protocols upon entering. As an alternative, it is recommended that the public consider the town’s online services or other options for in-person meetings.

• Town Hall staff are required to check their temperature upon entering work for the day and wear a mask in the common public areas.

• Town and library employees will return to weekly testing for COVID-19 for their safety and for the safety of any visitors.

• First responders will wear masks when interacting with the public indoors.

Marpe said the town continues to urge all who are eligible to get vaccinated.

"Studies show that any side effects are temporary or very rare," Marpe said. "With a high vaccination rate, mutual cooperation, patience and understanding for adhering to the safety protocols, Westport can keep the spread of COVID-19 to a minimum."