COVID-19

On May 19, 2021, the Town of West Hartford has lifted the mask mandate in accordance with Governor Lamont’s change in mask protocols as well as guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are required to wear a mask indoors and outdoors, when in large group settings.  

Signage at public buildings will explain the mask policy and masks will be provided to unvaccinated people if they forget to wear one. Upon entering the building, a greeter will state, “You are expected to wear a mask if you are unvaccinated.” Responses will be accepted on an honor system.

There is one exception.  West Hartford Public Library will follow West Hartford Public Schools policy and will require patrons to wear a mask because children under age 12 are currently not eligible for the COVID vaccination. This age group represents a good portion of the patrons that visit the library.

Signage and banners in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square requiring people to wear masks will be removed. 

Please read our safety protocols below to ensure staff and customers stay safe and healthy! 

• We encourage all customers to continue conducting their business virtually, by email, or by phone. Our staff directory can be found here.  
• For anyone who needs to physically drop off an item, there will be a general drop box installed outside the entrance to Town Hall. All payments (including taxes) can still be made through the secure deposit box to the south of the main entrance. 
• For customers requiring access to Town Hall, access will be limited and controlled to prevent crowding and to maintain social distancing at service counters. Appointments are still highly encouraged and walk-ins will be accommodated if appointment slots are available. 
• The Town Hall lobby will be staffed with a greeter to provide contact information to residents for specific Town Departments.  
• Vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are required to wear a mask indoors and outdoors, when in large group settings.   
• Customers with an appointment will be allowed to proceed to the destination once their appointment is verified with the greeter. If the customer does not have an appointment, the greeter will contact the Department to determine if there is appointment capacity for the customer to proceed to Department.
• Preference is that customers bring their own pens but pens will be provided if needed.

CT residents age 12+ are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Eligible Connecticut residents are entitled to a free COVID vaccine.

Residents age 18+ may receive the Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or Moderna vaccine. All of the vaccines have been thoroughly tested and are safe. By getting your vaccine, you are protecting yourself, your family and your community. 

FREE COVID-19 Testing for adults and children will be held at Elmwood Community/Senior Center (enter via Burgoyne Street). Testing is held outside. Please visit us at the upper parking lot. The PCR COVID-19 test is administered by InterCommunity Health Care.

No out-of-pocket costs; please bring your insurance card. No appointment necessary. Everyone is welcome; pre-registration is not required!

Testing will be conducted on Tuesdays 9:00AM-4:00PM.

For more information, contact West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District at 860-561-7900.

Eligible Connecticut residents are entitled to a free COVID vaccine. By getting your vaccine, you are protecting yourself, your family and your community. 

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 

A newly formed and state-authorized At-Risk Community Health program, or ARCH, was established in partnership between the West Hartford Fire Department and the Health District to provide mobile vaccinations to homebound residents who have specific mobility issues that prevent them from obtaining the vaccine through other methods. The program began operation on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

ARCH is reserved for residents who meet the State age criteria and have unusual or exceptional circumstances that limit their access to the vaccine due to the logistics of transportation and administration at the clinic sites.

To receive a vaccine through the ARCH program, complete the sign-up form here. The Health District will review the form, and when approved, a Fire Department paramedic and a Register Nurse will come to the resident’s home to administer the vaccine.

If you need a ride to a vaccine clinic, 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.