HARTFORD, Conn. — Following the CDC's new COVID-19 guidelines for wearing masks indoors, Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Thursday that starting on May 19 fully vaccinated residents will not be required to wear masks indoors.
“It means a lot and gives a lot of hope and security for me because I don’t have to worry that much,” said Dennis McFadden of New Haven.
This means business restrictions will be lifted next week and outdoor masking will not be required by recommended at large events.
“When it comes to your store or restaurant you can say masks are required or not. You have a lot of discretion there,” said Governor Lamont.
To clarify, the Governor added that unvaccinated people will still be required to wear a mask indoors.
Thursday also marked the first-day children 12 to 15 years of age were eligible for the vaccine in the state. Over 200 children were vaccinated at Old Saybrook Middle School.
“It’ll be great to get back to a sense of normality,” said Daniel Hand student Elliot Booth. “Hopefully next year we won’t have to wear masks in school and get back to how things used to be.”
While some remain hesitant about ditching the mask, all are pushing for safer communities.
“Still for me it’s going to take a little while longer to get to that point, but I’m excited that we’re heading in that direction,” said Darryl Huckaby, the host of “D&D in the Morning” on 94.3 WYBC. “I think the more people that get vaccinated the more comfortable we all will be.”
Beginning on June 1, the executive branch customer-facing officers will be fully reopened. Then on July 1, the pre-COVID teleworking model will return and at least 50% of employees will back in the office.
Connecticut reported it administered 29,973 tests and 471 came back positive, yielding a positivity rate of about 1.57%.
“The most important thing right now is to get healthy and staying healthy. Inspiring other people to get the vaccine,” said Samira Farrah of New Haven.
Gov. Lamont said during his press conference Thursday that hospitalizations are the lowest they have been since last October. There are now 222 patients being treated for the virus in the hospital.
There were seven more COVID-19 related deaths reported Thursday. The state death toll has now reached 8,168
Connecticut reported 1,618,266 residents have been fully vaccinated. Gov. Lamont also added that starting next week all of the state's COVID-19 mandates will be lifted. This will happen on May 19.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.