'We're taking this very seriously': COVID mask rules return to more CT shoreline towns FacebookTwitterEmail As Middlesex and New London counties experience “substantial” spread of virus, more leaders in shoreline towns are reinstating rules that require masks in public buildings.Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Multiple shoreline towns began requiring face coverings in municipal buildings this week, following the guidance from state and federal authorities that masking indoors is necessary to combat the spread of the COVID delta variant. Leaders in Clinton, Westbrook, Killingworth and Essex said Tuesday they reinstated mask mandates for public buildings, mirroring similar steps taken in recent days by New London and Guilford.