HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts are being ramped up statewide before the holidays, state officials said, as hospitalizations continue to increase and the positivity rate stays over 5%.
In a pre-Christmas COVID-19 response update to the state on Monday, Governor Ned Lamont urged residents to practice caution during the holidays when announcing that the state's positivity rate remains high at 6.85%.
Hospitalizations increased by 101 patients over the weekend, bringing the statewide total to 837 hospitalized patients.
Lamont explained that the Omicron variant is playing a role in the hospitalization increase. However, he said medical professionals have told him that patients with Omicron overall spend less time in the hospital than other COVID-19 patients.
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With the Delta variant coming down from the north and the Omicron variant coming up from the south, Lamont stressed that being fully vaccinated is the best form of protection, including the booster.
Lamont is encouraging the state to redefine "fully vaccinated" by including the booster shot in an individual's vaccination status as a way of pushing more people to get the booster.
Lamont also took time to address the "fake news" concerning the new digital vaccination card residents can have on their phone.
"First off, it is purely optional and voluntary. Contractually, they can’t give away or sell your information; it’s private. We were adamant it stayed that way. This is simply a free service you can use if you'd like," Lamont said.
The comments follow concerns that state Republicans raised last week about the digital vaccine card.
On Friday, House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora said Republicans were concerned that there was no legislative input into the launch of the program and that those who are not vaccinated may be discriminated against, among other issues.
Beyond the COVID-19 vaccine, Lamont is urging residents to wear a mask when gathering during the holidays and to follow other safety precautions such as washing hands.
"I'm sorry we're still having this discussion. I know it's exhausting... I hope this year's going to be different. It's going to be a better Christmas, a better holiday season. You can go about your lives safely if you take all the necessary precautions," Lamont said.
For information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including vaccination or booster clinic locations in Connecticut, visit the CT Vaccine Portal.
