HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Citing a drop in Hartford's COVID positive test rate and other indicators, Mayor Luke Bronin said his executive order requiring masks in all indoor, public spaces has been repealed.
The mandate took effect on August 10. Since mid-August, the city's positive test rate has dropped from 6.9% to 2.5%.
"We believe, given the numbers we're seeing right now," Bronin said, "we can responsibly remove this restriction and ask everybody to use their best judgement."
Monday's move to eliminate the mandate allows private businesses to once again make their own calls on whether to require masks. A mask mandate remains in place at city government facilities, including public schools.
At a City Hall news conference announcing the change, the mayor reminded residents of the benefits of getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and the fact that the unvaccinated should continue to mask up indoors.
Mayor Bronin also didn't rule out the possible future return of the mandate.
"It's entirely possible, should we see another surge, that we would impose a mandate again," the mayor added. "I think the best way to deal with this pandemic... is to adjust as situations change."
