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After two consecutive weeks of low COVID-19 infection rates, Bethel and New Fairfield have lifted their city-wide mask warrants.
In response to an increase in COVID-19 cases brought on by the highly infectious delta variant, cities joined Danbury, Brookfield, Redding and Ridgefield to issue mask warrants in August, forcing everyone – regardless of vaccine status – to wear masks in an interior accessible to the public. the spaces.
“The region’s city leaders agreed when this mask warrant went into effect that when the number of cases per 100,000 remained below 10 for a two week period, we would consider canceling the mask warrant. “Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker said.
Bethel had a two-week average infection rate of 9.4 per 100,000 residents on Thursday, while New Fairfield had a two-week average of 9.3, according to state COVID data.
With the city’s mandates lifted, face coverings are again optional for fully vaccinated people, but still mandatory for unvaccinated people in indoor public spaces. Wearing a mask in schools is still required by state mandate.
“However, we strongly encourage all residents of Bethel to continue to wear a mask indoors as per CDC guidelines,” Knickerbocker said Friday morning, adding that “people at higher risk of severe COVID should consider getting themselves hide even when not needed “.
“We also ask for your cooperation when you visit Bethel retail locations. Some store owners have chosen to maintain the full face mask policy for the safety of their staff and customers, ”he said.
New Fairfield and Bethel’s full vaccination rates are both below 70%, according to the latest state data.
Nearly 62% of Bethel residents and 63% of New Fairfield residents were fully immunized as of Wednesday. The percentage of residents who received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine was around 67% in each city.
Newtown and Ridgefield have also removed their mask warrants.
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