Some cities and towns reinstituting mask mandate for municipal buildings, offices
With the recent coronavirus surge in the state and region, some municipalities announced this week that they are reinstituting universal mask mandates for municipal buildings and offices.
Norwich City Manager John Salomone announced he has reinstituted the universal mask mandate for all city offices and buildings and announced that Monday's City Council meeting will be remote access only, in response to the rising COVID-19 infection rates.
“The coronavirus pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for our nation, our state, and our community,” he said in a statement announcing the mandate. “As a result, we want to share how the city has modified our normal operations to work through this crisis to keep our citizens safe while continuing to provide vital services.”
Norwich City Hall offices will be open normal hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some departments may require appointments for specific services; contact the departments directly for information. The Rose City Senior Center is open and can be contacted at (860) 889-5960 for information on programs and activities.
Taxes may be paid securely on the city website, norwichct.org, by mail or in person beginning Jan. 10. From Jan. 3 to Jan. 31, taxpayers can pay nondelinquent bills at the three Norwich People's United Bank locations.
Monday's 7:30 p.m. City Council meeting will be livestreamed through the city website, norwichct.org, and broadcast live on Comcast Norwich cable Channel 97. Some boards and commission meetings may be held online or by teleconference. Check agendas for specifics.
Salomone said he is considering ordering that all municipal meetings be held remotely in the near future.
East Lyme and Waterford on Monday reinstituted a mask mandate in all municipal buildings.
East Lyme First Selectmen Kevin Seery cited consultation with Ledge Light Health District and the "skyrocketing" number of positive tests as key factors in his decision. "And now we're approaching tax season where there'll be a lot more people coming into town hall to pay taxes," he said.
Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule in a Facebook post also said the mandate is due to the continued increase in coronavirus-positive tests and a recommendation from the health district. He thanked residents for their understanding and continued cooperation.
Groton Town Mayor Luis Melendez Jr. said the town returned to having a mask mandate in its buildings last week.
New London and Preston never lifted mask mandates put in place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Montville and Old Lyme have not lifted their mask mandates in town buildings since reinstituting them in August after the surge of the delta variant.
Montville Mayor McDaniel said the mandate will continue until the omicron and any subsequent variants are kept in check.
Day Staff Writers Elizabeth Regan and Johana Vazquez contributed to this report.
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