<< Back

A COVID Milestone: Masks Came Off Today, With These Exceptions

May 19, 2021

Connecticut, ranked second nationally to Maine for highest percentage of population fully vaccinated, officially dropped almost all COVID-19 restrictions Wednesday while acknowledging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent no-mask guidance.

At Hartford HealthCare, there are no changes to existing COVID-19 policies or guidance. Masks continue to be required at all facilities, and all safety practices remain in effect.

Elsewhere, here’s the state’s plan:

Masks Not Required By Anyone

Outdoors.

Masks Required By Everyone

  • Healthcare facilities.
  • Schools.
  • Childcare facilities.
  • Nursing homes, group homes and other facilities housing vulnerable populations.
  • Public and private transportation.
  • Correctional facilities.

Masks Required By Some Local Retailers And Businesses

Gov. Ned Lamont’s latest executive order allows any business, nonprofit organization, property owner or state, regional or municipal government or agency to require masks. Home Depot and Gap are among the retailers that will retain safety precautions.

So don’t leave home without a mask.

If You Are Not Vaccinated

You must continue to wear a mask and social distance indoors in a public place. Among outdoor facilities, the Hartford Yard Goats are asking those not yet fully vaccinated — at least 14 days removed from their final recommended vaccine dose — to wear a mask at games played at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.

Connecticut’s Vaccination Numbers

As of Tuesday morning, close to 1.75 million people, or 49 percent of the state’s population, were fully vaccinated.

By age group:

  • Over 65: 92 percent.
  • 55-64: 81 percent.
  • 45-54: 69 percent.
  • 35-44: 62 percent.
  • 25-34: 53 percent.
  • 18-24: 48 percent.
  • 16-18: 52 percent.
  • 12-15: 12 percent.

If You’re Not Yet Vaccinated

Hartford HealthCare offers no-appointment-necessary inoculation at its vaccine clinics. Just walk in. All Connecticut residents at least 12 years old are eligible. Note: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

If you’re physically or medically unable to leave your home, fill out this state Department of Public Health form and someone from your town will contact you.

“There was a time period in the winter when we were losing the equivalent of a 9/11 every single day from this virus alone,” says Dr. Ulysses Wu, Hartford HealthCare’s System Director of Infection Disease and Chief Epidemiologist. “The devastating consequences of possibly dying or, even if you do live, having long-term symptoms associated with the virus, you should absolutely be getting the vaccine.”