Gov. Ned Lamont has announced fines for people who do not follow Connecticut's mask orders and event size limits.

Residents who don't follow the mask order can now be fined $100, and those who organize an event that exceeds size limits could face a $500 fine.

Those who attend one of those events can face a fine of $250.

The state currently allows up to 25 people for indoor gatherings, and up to 100 people are allowed outdoors.

"That's to give our local health departments, local municipal officials a little more leverage," Lamont says.

In the town of Stratford, Mayor Laura Hoydick is urging residents who see a violation to call 911. A police officer will then arrive at the scene and investigate.

"If I own a business and someone isn't complying with mask wearing, for example, in grocery stores, let's use that, they've always had to call the police and the police had to enforce it," Hoydick says. "There's more teeth, more strength now that the governor has been explicit in the executive order, that there's a fine associated with it."

"I know it's getting tiring and fuses are short, but we just got to keep going until we get this vaccine and get a good handle on managing this pandemic," Hoydick adds.

The fines will take effect later this week.

Meantime, people visiting or returning home to Connecticut from a hot spot state can now show proof of a negative COVID-19 test instead of quarantining for 14 days. Lamont says residents should take the test no more than three days before arriving. The travel form is still required, and essential workers are still exempt.