As a result of increasing cases of Covid-19 in Westport and Bristol County, the Town of Westport Board of Health on Tuesday advised all residents and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, to use masks while at public indoor locations when physical distancing is not possible.

On Tuesday, board director Matthew J. Armendo said the change comes as a result of the rise of the Covid-19 Delta variant:

"Because the Delta variant is being characterized as causing 1,000 times greater viral density in the human body, transmissibility can be hundreds of times greater than previous Covid-19 strains," he said in a release.

"Prolonged exposure, indoors and at high concentrations, is likely the cause of individuals becoming infected, including those who are vaccinated. The Delta variant has also shown breakthrough ability against natural immunity and can re-infect those who have already had Covid.  Its higher ability to infect even vaccinated individuals means that masking and distancing are strongly recommended at this time. Please keep your safety and the safety of those around you in mind.  If you haven’t yet, please get vaccinated."