HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio and AP) _ A member of Governor Ned Lamont's staff is in isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus, Lamont's chief of staff announced.
Lamont was close to Rob Blanchard, deputy communications director, as recently as Thursday but does not meet the criteria for close contact as outlined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chief of staff Paul Mounds said in a statement late Saturday.
Lamont is feeling well but will undergo regularly scheduled testing in the coming days, Mounds said. The governor has no public events this weekend.
``We have implemented further protocols to limit contact with the governor, but this is yet another reminder that the virus is spreading across our state and the across the country,'' Mounds said. ``We all must continue to keep our guard up by wearing masks, avoiding gatherings, and taking necessary precautions like washing our hands regularly.``
Blanchard identified himself as the staff member who tested positive in a statement Sunday.
Blanchard said he would quarantine for the next two weeks, adding he has been cooperating with public health official in the contact tracing process.
Mounds said Blanchard, who had yet to be named at the time of Mounds' announcement, was experiencing mild symptoms.
Lamont went into quarantine in November after his chief spokesperson tested positive for COVID-19.
