CT governor issues order requiring long-term care takers to receive COVID-19 vaccine immediately

An executive order issued by Gov. Ned Lamont (CT) Friday will require all long-term care takers, and employees in the facilities, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We know for a fact that COVID-19 presents increased risk of severe illness and death among older adults, particularly those who have chronic conditions and compromised immune systems,” Lamont said in a news release. “Now that vaccines are widely available and scientifically proven to be safe and the most effective method for preventing hospitalization and death, it would be absolutely irresponsible for anyone working in a long-term care facility to not receive this protection that could prevent widespread infection among those who are most vulnerable from dying of this communicable disease, some of whom for medical reasons cannot be vaccinated themselves.”

The executive order is effective immediately and requires employees of nursing homes, residential care homes, assisted living agencies, chronic disease hospitals, managed residential communities and care facilities for residents with intellectual disabilities to receive their first dose before Sept. 7.

After Sept. 7, facilities will be fined $20,000 each day they don’t comply with the mandate.

https://www.courant.com/breaking-news/hc-br-gov-lamont-nursing-home-vaccine-executive-order-20210807-a5wugbij6fbsnki7hqyxivvwju-story.html