How’s it going, fellow mask-wearers?

Maybe you haven’t heard. If you’re anywhere in public in Connecticut and cannot maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing, you must use a mask or otherwise cover your mouth and nose with a bandana or other material. It’s a state mandate.

You won’t get arrested if you refuse, but it’s the best way to protect each other in public and keep the COVID-19 infection rate down so we can get back to work.

The mandate, effective April 20, also includes transportation: Taxi, car, livery, ride-sharing or similar service or means of mass public transit or while in any semi-enclosed transit stop or waiting area.

New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey, among our regional neighbors, have a similar mandate. Massachusetts is advising, not requiring, residents to wear a mask in public. Some cities, like Northampton, have made masks a requirement in public.

Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.

Need to see your doctor? New Patient? For more information about Hartford HealthCare virtual health visits, click here.

Click here to schedule a virtual visit with a Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent care doctor.

Stay with Hartford HealthCare for everything you need to know about the coronavirus threat. Click here for information updated daily.

Questions? Call our 24-hour hotline (860.972.8100 or, toll-free, 833.621.0600). 

Get text alerts by texting 31996 with COVID19 in the message field.