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To the Editor:

In response to the Town of West Hartford’s recent implementation of an indoor mask mandate, the West Hartford legislative delegation issued the following statement encouraging Gov. Ned Lamont to enact a statewide mask mandate:

“As COVID-19 cases surge across the state due to the Delta variant, the Town of West Hartford is working proactively by implementing a universal mask mandate. This variant is twice as contagious and its increased spread leaves even our highly vaccinated communities vulnerable. Without vaccines for kids 12 and under, they remain particularly susceptible to COVID-19 and the potential long-term effects. Masks remain one of the simplest methods to protect community health for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

While we are pleased to see West Hartford implement the mask mandate, the town-by-town approach can be confusing given that all schools will remain masked through September 30 and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) announced statewide mask procedures for all sports.

Successfully stemming the surge of new cases requires consistent public health information. This will ensure students can return to in-person schooling, and the businesses so integral to our state can remain open. Thank you to our municipal leadership for your foresight and dedication to keeping our community safe during this latest wave.”

Senator Derek Slap, 5th District; Representative Jillian Gilchrest, 18th District; Representative Tammy Exum, 19th District; Representative Kate Farrar, 20th District