TOWN OF GROTON COVID-19 MASK MANDATE

TOWN OF GROTON ESTABLISHED A TOWNWIDE INDOOR MASK MANDATE BEGINNING DECEMBER 31, 2021

With the latest daily test positivity rate for COVID-19 for the State of Connecticut being 17.78% creating a record number of cases, the Town of Groton is implementing an indoor mask mandate within the Town of Groton outside of the City of Groton and Groton Long Point (they are separate municipal entities with their own authority) beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, December 31, 2021. The Town Council will be reaching out to the public in the very near future for feedback on whether to continue this mandate. Please see the Emergency Declaration below.

TOWN OF GROTON, CT

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION SIX

December 30, 2021

Whereas, on March 10, 2020, the Governor of the State of Connecticut declared a public health emergency and civil preparedness emergency for the State of Connecticut General Statutes Sections 19a-131 and 28-9, in response to the global pandemic of COVID-19;

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the Town Manager acting as the Chief Executive for the Town of Groton declared a local State of Emergency per Connecticut General Statutes Section 28-8a, 28-1(8),a and 28-22; and

WHEREAS, on May 13, 2020, the Town Manager extended the State of Emergency to continue for the duration of the Governor’s declared State of Emergency due to the on-going pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut is currently experiencing record numbers of cases of COVID-19, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that pursuant to the powers and duties granted in the Connecticut General Statutes, including Section 28-81, in response to the existing public health emergency existing in the Town of Groton, effective Friday, December 31, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., regardless of vaccination status, the wearing of masks or cloth face coverings that are compliant with CDC guidelines is required in any indoor public spaces, meaning spaces that include municipal buildings and those to which any member of the public has access within the Town of Groton outside of the City of Groton and Groton Long Point; and, be it, further

RESOLVED, that also effective Friday, December 30, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., regardless of vaccination status, the wearing of masks or cloth face coverings that are compliant with CDC guidelines is required in any private indoor business, and in any places of employment, where social distancing is impractical, unlikely, or difficult to maintain, within the Town of Groton outside of the City of Groton and Groton Long Point, and, be it, further

RESOLVED, that nothing in this order should be deemed or construed to counteract, reverse, withdraw, revoke or otherwise amend any previously or subsequently issued order, unless expressly stated; and

RESOLVED, that those with relevant medical conditions rendering them unable to wear masks and face coverings; children under the age of 2; while eating and drinking at a commercial establishment that serves food and/or beverages; and for people who are alone in an office setting or are separated by a partition from other people, are exempt from this order; and, be it, further

RESOLVED, that the protocols for buildings under the supervision and control of the Board of Education will continue to operate in accord with existing executive orders issued by the Governor; and, be it, further

RESOLVED, that the order shall remain in effect until such time as it is amended or terminated.