Norwich — The city will require masks to be worn indoors as of Monday, into late October.

Beginning Monday, anyone who is in an indoor space in the city will be required to wear a face covering that complies with guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in order to protect the public against the COVID-19 virus and the delta variant, according to a statement issued by City Manager John Salomone on Saturday evening.

The mandate will apply to indoor public spaces, businesses or places of employment where social distancing is not possible. Face coverings will be required regardless of vaccination status, he said.

Exceptions to the mandate will be made for people who have medical conditions that prevent that from wearing masks, children under the age of 2 and people who are alone or socially distanced. Masks are allowed to be taken off while people are eating or drinking.

The mandate will remain in effect through Oct. 22 unless terminated sooner by the city, Salomone said.