New Canaan officials say they are seeing progress from their decision to make masks mandatory for anyone walking in the downtown area.

The order went into effect last week, and applies to everyone walking outside the shops and restaurants on Elm, Pine, Main and Forest streets from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

The order is believed to be among the first in the area that applies to people passing through a downtown business district.

Local leaders say they are encouraged by the level of compliance they've seen so far.