HARTFORD, Conn. (WCBS 880) -- Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said Tuesday he will call up nearly 100 state National Guard members as part of their efforts to distribute millions of at-home rapid tests and masks.
Lamont announced the purchase of 3 million rapid tests and 6 million N95 masks Monday as omicron continues to cause a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The tests and masks will be distributed to municipalities and school districts, which will then determine how to best provide them to residents, state officials said.
“As these at-home tests arrive in Connecticut over these next several days and weeks, the National Guard will help provide support on behalf of the state to ensure that they are distributed to each municipality and school district,” Lamont said. “The Connecticut National Guard has provided an incredible amount of support throughout this pandemic, and I thank them for their ongoing commitment to the residents of our state.”
Related
Soldiers will also perform “missions” to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 surge, according to officials.
“At this point, our COVID-19 response is well-refined, and I have full confidence that Connecticut’s Guard will meet any demand asked of them by the state as they have over the last two years,” said Connecticut National Guard adjutant general Francis Evon. “We are committed to doing whatever it takes to help keep schools open, keep the economy running and keep our neighbors safe.”
The activation of the troops is completely federally funded, Lamont’s office said.
Connecticut reported nearly 5,800 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, slightly down from the number reported a week ago. The positivity rate is just under 15% though, which is almost double the figures reported last Tuesday.
Related
