East Lyme — Town officials have announced that effective Friday, masks will be mandatory in all municipal buildings, regardless of vaccination status. This includes while partaking in fitness programs through East Lyme Parks & Recreation.

Town employees can unmask if they can maintain a 6-foot distance from others.

In light of increasing coronavirus case numbers and the dominance of the highly transmissible delta variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 27 switched course and recommended that even vaccinated people "wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission."

Ledge Light Health District Director Steve Mansfield recommended that "LLHD municipalities require masks for both staff and the general public in all municipal buildings, unless a 6 foot separation distance can be assured. It is our position that as leaders in our communities, it is important to set an example that others will follow."

The other municipalities in the health district are Groton, Ledyard, Lyme, New London, Old Lyme and Stonington.