COVID-19

WEST HARTFORD, CONN. (January 5, 2022) – The Town of West Hartford has implemented a local universal indoor masking requirement, effective at noon on January 6, 2022. The requirement is part of the broader effort to combat the surge in cases caused by the Omicron variant.

The universal indoor masking requirement will be implemented through a local executive order, which was signed by the Town Manager earlier today. The order only applies to indoor public places, which include anywhere that persons from different households are in the same space. Residential dwellings are exempt, however residents are strongly advised that they should still mask-up anytime they are indoors with persons who are not part of their own household. The order also includes exceptions for persons unable to wear a mask for medical reasons – including children under the age of two – and persons who are eating or drinking.

Mayor Shari G. Cantor said a regional and statewide universal masking requirement makes sense.

“COVID-19 does not stop at municipal borders, and our hospitals and healthcare delivery systems are all regional assets that serve multiple communities. There should be one common statewide and regional standard,” said Cantor.

Cantor said that West Hartford would continuously evaluate the necessity of the universal indoor masking requirement.

“We are already seeing a high level of voluntary masking in West Hartford, and I want to thank everyone who is doing their part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Cantor. “Our priority is to keep our community safe, while keeping schools, municipal facilities, and businesses open. We believe this step is necessary given the current trajectory of infection rates and the number of neighboring communities implementing similar requirements. This is a temporary measure, and we will constantly evaluate the need to continue the requirement.”

Town Manager Matt Hart said the decision to require universal indoor masking was made in consultation with public health and safety officials.

“Our approach has been, and continues to be, education first, enforcement second. We are very appreciative of the high level of voluntary compliance we are already seeing,” said Hart.

For more information, please contact the Office of Emergency Management by email at OEM@WestHartfordCT.gov. 

The Town has acquired 230,000 adult N95 masks from the State of Connecticut.  Weather dependent, public distributions of N95 masks have been held weekly at 100 Mayflower Street. Announcements are made on our home page under Town News and sent by email and text messages to residents. If you have not already done so, sign-up to receive our notifications.

Masks will be made available to businesses, senior centers, public and private schools, and daycare facilities. Businesses may request a supply of masks for their employees by completing the request form.

This mask distribution program is designed to provide assistance to persons and businesses who cannot obtain a source for masks on their own. Masks are currently available at most pharmacies, retail stores and online.

Please email the Office of Emergency Management at OEM@WestHartfordCT.gov for updates on N95 masks distribution locations and dates. You may also follow us on Facebook or Twitter for updates. 

Eligible Connecticut residents are entitled to a free COVID vaccine. By getting your vaccine, you are protecting yourself, your family and your community.  Children age 5-11 are now eligible.

There are several ways to sign up to receive a vaccination.

Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS)

To do this you must self-register online at ct.gov/CovidVaccine (CT Department of Public Health) website. The registration requires an email address. If you do not have an email, you will need to create one for this purpose.

CT Vaccine Appointment Assistance line 

The second way is to register by phone by calling the CT Vaccine Appointment Assistance line,  877-918-2224 or 211. The phone system is designed to help those who have limited access to technology, or who have language, disability, or other barriers. The help line is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00AM to 4:30PM. It offers a callback option when all lines are busy.

Other Health Providers 

In addition to VAMS, there are over 100 healthcare providers across the state that are offering the vaccine. Providers include UConn Health, Hartford Healthcare, Trinity Healthcare of New England and Yale New Haven Health.

In addition vaccines are now offered at select pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Rite-Aid. All locations require registration and an appointment – no walk-ins are allowed. The Connecticut COVID Vaccine Portal has a list of all providers. Go to: https://portal.ct.gov/Vaccine-Portal.

Public Service Messages 

Public service messages on the importance of getting the COVID vaccine and the phone number to call are here in English, Spanish and American Sign Language:

• Spanish (30 second ) 
• Spanish (15 second)
• English (30 second )
• English (15 second )
• American Sign Language 

Information on booster shots, who is eligible, and when it is OK to mix and match vaccines can be confusing. West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District prepared this flyer to help answer your questions. Click here for the PDF version.

These two terms are often used interchangeably but there are some very important differences. Read below to find out what shot you can get!

As always, we encourage you to have a conversation with your physician to discuss your individual care plan and to identify the best next steps to keep you healthy! The “Third (3rd) Dose” shot is by appointment only on Wednesdays from 9:00AM to 12:00PM at 580 Cottage Grove Rd, Suite 100, Bloomfield, CT 06002.  To schedule an appointment, please call the Health District at 860-561-7900, x0.  Information is rapidly evolving but additional updates will be added to this site when it is available to us. 

If you need a ride to get the COVID vaccine, ITNCentral CT is offering friendly, affordable transportation to elderly and visually impaired residents. Please call 860-508-9847 for this service. ITN’s office is located at Town Hall. 

Dial-A-Ride also provides transportation its members.

The West Hartford Fire Department keeps an updated database of residents that would need, perhaps, more assistance should an incident occur at their residence. Please complete the online Special Needs Registry form. 

People want to know how they can help. Please use this Volunteer Form to help us collect contact information. We are monitoring the needs of our community and will connect volunteers with assignments on an as-needed basis. You may also be interested in joining our Community Emergency Response Team. Click here to learn more.