HARTFORD – Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) welcomed Governor Ned Lamont’s announcement today that all Connecticut state employees must either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested weekly for the potentially deadly virus.
The governor’s announcement comes as Connecticut and the nation are seeing a surge in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths due to the newer, highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus.
“Despite our wishes to the contrary, the coronavirus continues to have a major impact on the quality of our lives here in Connecticut and across the nation,” Sen. Looney said. “Because it is our duty to protect and serve the public and its health, Connecticut state government has a singular role in leading by example, so I welcome the governor’s announcement today that all state employees must either be vaccinated against the coronavirus or undergo weekly testing. Connecticut residents should rest assured that the people working every day on their behalf are virus-free and are committed to their health and safety.”
“Every day we are learning of some new university or business or facility that is requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to work, attend an event or otherwise engage with the public. And every day we see news stories about some other states where masks and vaccines are not required, and where new COVID-19 infections are raging, sending children and people of all ages into hospitals and ICUs,” Sen. Duff said. “From the beginning we have taken this coronavirus very seriously, and today’s action by Governor Lamont is yet another example of just how seriously Connecticut takes this virus, and how we are committed to fighting it together for the good of our citizens. State employees have stepped up and will continue to step up to lead by example in this ongoing battle against a potentially deadly virus that preys on disinformation, inaction and political inertia.”
“Additionally, I would like to thank Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools Dr. Alexandra Estrella for following Governor Lamont’s lead and putting in place the same requirements for all city and school employees,” continued Senator Duff. “Local and state government along with the private sector are taking an important step to follow the science, keep our families safe, and ensure we can all go back to our normal lives.”