Making good on statements made last week, Gov. Ned Lamont and state officials have now issued order requiring everyone to wear some type of mask or face covering when entering an enclosed space, store or workplace. Lamont said last week an order of this kind was in the works during a daily update. The hope is the face coverings will stem the spread of the corona virus.
Through the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, Lamont issued his most recent of several executive orders. The new order makes significant revisions to mandatory rules outlining additional protective measures that every workplace in Connecticut deemed essential — and any other business or nonprofit allowed to remain open — must follow.
Beginning Monday night, all employees are required to wear face mask or face cloth covering at all times in the workplace.
The state regulations put the onus of mask availability on the employer, according to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), which issued a release.
Employers are now required to issue masks or cloth face coverings to employees.
If that is not possible because of shortages or supply chain difficulties, employers must provide materials—or compensate employees for the cost—to make their own and share the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for making cloth face coverings.
Masks or face coverings are not required if wearing one compromises the health or safety of an employee because of a medical condition. An employee is not required to produce medical documentation in such a case.
A big change to the regulations concerns consumers.
Customers must also wear cloth face coverings while on premises. Businesses may provide face coverings to customers and visitors. The medical exemption applies for customers, with additional guidance for children.
The state also revised its rules for Connecticut retail stores, and now requires masks or face coverings for employees and customers.
Meanwhile, the governor announced in the same executive order the Presidential Preference Primary, which was supposed to happen this month, and was moved to June 2 will now take place Aug. 11.
This most recent order is the latest in a series of 28 orders issued by the governor, and like the rest will remain in effect as long as the health emergency is ongoing.