Town of Bethel Lifts Mask Mandate

COVID NUMBERS IMPROVE – MASK MANDATE TO END

As previously announced, we have been watching the COVID metrics closely over the past few months. The two primary measures, the number of new cases per 100,000 population and the percent of positive test cases have stabilized over the past two weeks, as shown below:

                                                Week 3            Week 2            Last Week

            New cases/100k                10.1                8.4                   9.4

            Percent positivity                3.1%               2.4%                2.2%

Considering that the new case rate remains below 10 per 100, 000, the mandatory mask order imposed on all publicly accessible indoor gathering spaces, including retails stores, is hereby rescinded.

However, we strongly encourage all Bethel residents to continue to wear a mask when indoors in accordance with CDC guidelines. People at higher risk of severe COVID should consider masking even when not required.

We also ask for your cooperation when visiting Bethel retail businesses. Some store owners have chosen to maintain the full mask policy for the safety of their staff and customers. Thank you for respecting the mask policies set by our local businesses.

 MASK POLICY FOR BETHEL PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Town Hall and other public buildings:

            If fully vaccinated: Masks are optional.

            If unvaccinated: Masks are mandatory.

Schools:

 Per the governor’s executive order, masks are required at all times regardless of vaccine status.