First Selectman Fred Camillo issued an order or Friday regarding universal masking in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.
Camillo also announced all Town employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than September 27.
The Town will use Executive Order No. 13D as template for vaccination verification, exemption and testing. Additional details will be shared with Town employees shortly.
These decisions were made in consultation with the First Selectman’s emergency management team which includes the Greenwich Health Department.
As for masking, Camillo said, “I believe it is a small inconvenience to make this minor, temporary adjustment to our daily lives.”
“Wearing a mask when in common areas indoors in a public facility or a business, office, store or restaurant will go a long way to protect the health and safety of your co-workers, neighbors, and most importantly, you and your family,” he added.
The Governor’s Executive Order No. 13A provides municipal leaders with the an option of requiring masks or face coverings in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.
Mr. Camillo added, “These temporary measures are designed to prevent a return to the constant cancellations of events and closures of businesses and various facilities last year.”
The mask requirement is effective immediately with enforcement to begin Monday, August 23.
“The delta variant is highly contagious, similar to the chicken pox,” said Health Director Caroline Baisley in the release. “We are seeing an increase in cases within families with children who are unable to be vaccinated. It spreads through the family but the vaccinated family members are reporting mild symptoms.”
“We know masking works,” she added. “We know social distancing works.”
Diane Kelly, president of Greenwich Hospital, said, “At our hospital and throughout our health system, we wear masks at all times and I applaud First Selectman Camillo’s decision to require masking in Greenwich. We also encourage our community to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
As of Friday, August 20, 5,421 residents had tested positive for COVID, including 24 new cases since Tuesday, August 17. Currently, the Health Department is tracking 77 active cases in Town.
Effective Monday, August 23, employees and visitors to Town facilities – including Town Hall – are reminded that social distancing protocols are once again in effect.
Mr. Camillo added, “I want to thank each Town employee for their continued dedication to providing the services to residents during these challenges. By abiding with these temporary adjustments, I am sure we will be able to safely return some normalcy in our lives.”
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