On Monday, Sept. 14, Gov. Ned Lamont said local police will have the authority to ticket people who fail to wear masks in public - a state requirement to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
There are three levels of fines:
$100 for not wearing a mask
$250 for attending an event that exceeds the size limits (in most cases 50 or more attendants)
$500 for organizing an event that exceeds size limits.
Up until recently, it was difficult to stop someone from flouting COVID-19 restrictions as local authorities did not have the power to enforce the edict with anything less severe than an arrest - something officers have not been eager to do. With the new fines, police will have a more fitting tool to enforce COVID-19 restrictions, the governor’s office explained.
In addition to local police, fines can be given to scoff-laws by designated elected officials and public health agents.
The date when the fines will go into effect will be announced soon, the governor’s office said.
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