Norwalk, Westport lift indoor mask mandates amid lower COVID-19 transmission

With the state's low infection rate and high vaccination rate, Norwalk and Westport are the latest communities to lift mask mandates.

Both communities citied that the numbers of COVID-19 cases are trending in the right direction for their decisions to lift indoor mask mandates effective immediately.

In both communities, masks are no longer required in places like the grocery store and in restaurants for those who are vaccinated.

In Norwalk, masks must still be worn inside all city properties though, including City Hall, regardless of vaccination status.

When communities lift their mask mandates, officials say it does not apply to schools and congregate settings.

Officials in both communities say masks must still be worn in schools, health care facilities, correctional facilities, and on public and private transit because of a statewide executive order that remains in effect.

Mask mandates could be implemented again if COVID cases climb.

Officials are encouraging the public to get fully vaccinated or get a booster shot.

Some other communities to lift their mask mandates recently include Stamford and Fairfield.