WESTPORT — Masks will be required at all indoor public places here Monday.

Citing continued spread of the contagious COVID-19 Delta variant, First Selectman Jim Marpe said Thursday the townwide mask mandate will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

The tighter masking protocol, he said, is a “temporary” step issued in conjunction with the neighboring communities of Fairfield and Easton. Another neighbor, Norwalk, already has an indoor mask mandate, as do other large state cities such as Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven.

COVID transmission near ‘red zone’

Marpe decided to require masks in public places, such as restaurants, gyms and stores, because more virus cases in Westport are expected to place the town into the “substantial transmission,” or “red,” category this week.

For the latest COVID data from the Westport-Weston Health District, click here.

Fairfield County on Wednesday became the state’s fifth county listed in the “high transmission” category, the most severe level as defined by the federal Centers for Disease Control. COVID-19 hospitalizations in Fairfield County are increasing — yesterday, there were 82 cases, according to data released by Gov. Ned Lamont’s office.

Marpe was empowered to enact the indoor mask mandate under an executive order issued by Lamont giving local officials such authority in their respective communities.. However, the governor so far has not issued a statewide mask mandate.

For the latest health guidance and data compiled by the state Department of Public Health, click.

Marpe, who two weeks ago “recommended” residents wear masks indoors, previously issued a requirement that everyone entering all municipal buildings wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status.

Caution needed because vaccines not ‘100 percent effective’

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the most powerful tool against infection and severe illness, but the increasing number of breakthrough infections after vaccination are a reminder that no vaccine is 100 percent effective,” town Health Director Mark Cooper said in a statement issued with Marpe’s mask directive.

“As long as there continues to be cases of COVID in Westport, it is important to continue the use of the other tools at our disposal to reduce transmission, such as masking when indoors and in large outdoor crowds, hand washing, social distancing and limiting gathering sizes,” Cooper added.

“This is particularly important as we approach the start of the new school year and to those young people who are unable to be vaccinated as they return to the classroom.”

The first selectman expressed gratitude to residents who “recognize the importance of wearing masks and getting vaccinated.

Tolerance urged for different opinions on masks

“It is for our physical and mental health and safety that we remain vigilant, and at the same time, be respectful to others who may have differing opinions …” Marpe said in his statement.

“While this development may seem like a step backward, it is undoubtedly necessary until the time comes when all have the capacity to be vaccinated and COVID-19 is a more manageable, non-life-threatening virus.”