As Coronavirus Infection Numbers Drop In CT, The Masks Fall Away

CONNECTICUT — As the state prepares to loosen just about all its coronavirus-related restrictions for the vaccinated on Wednesday, the numbers are playing along.

The number of residents hospitalized with COVID-19 has dropped to the lowest point since Oct. 12. There are 170 state residents hospitalized with the virus, down 28 beds over the weekend, according to the state Department of Public Health.

During a news conference Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont said that the trajectory of the COVID-19 hospitalizations would continue to be viewed as the bellwether of the pandemic's danger, and inform any decision about tightening restrictions.

With the exception of certain settings such as facilities housing vulnerable populations, public and private transit, correctional facilities, schools, and child care, the mandate to wear masks will be at the discretion of the shopkeeper, beginning Wednesday. Lamont said he was comfortable with the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as he believed business-owners knew their customers best and would make the right decisions.

Stew Leonard, Jr., president and CEO of Stew Leonard's grocery store chain, joined Lamont at the news conference and said he has already taken down his "masks are required" signage at his Connecticut locations.

"We've had a trickle of customers coming in already saying they'd not like to not wear a mask, and we ask, 'are you vaccinated?' and they said 'yes' and we let them in. Haven't heard any complaints from other customers in the store."

The rules are different for his employees, however. They must continue to wear masks up until at least Memorial Day, at which time Leonard said he will gauge the reactions of his customers.

Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe's, Target and Starbucks are among the chains in Connecticut that have announced they will be following CDC guidelines and not requiring vaccinated customers to mask up. They will also operate on the "honor system" and not require any proof of vaccination.

An additional 662 cases of the coronavirus were confirmed over the weekend in the state, bringing that total to 345,639. With 49,908 tests reported, the daily positivity rate now sits at 1.33 percent, up about two-tenths of a point since Friday.

Coronavirus-associated deaths across the state rose by 21 over the weekend. The COVID-19 death toll in Connecticut now stands at 8,194.

See Also: Here's Everything Lamont Said About Mask Mandate Changes In CT

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