HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)—Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday he plans to sign an executive order that will require state employees, K-12 teachers and early childhood workers who don't qualify for a medical or religious exemption to be vaccinated for COVID-19, beginning September 27.
This latest order, which the Democrat was expected to sign Thursday evening, comes on the heels of another order requiring nursing home workers to get vaccinated with at least one dose by September 7.
"Look, I'm not eager to do this. I'm doing everything we can to keep us safe," he said during a briefing. "Connecticut has really done very well ... We have over 80% of our adults vaccinated. Let's build on that. That's what makes a difference."
The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, which includes leaders of the state employees unions, said in a statement that some state employees who have not received at least their first dose of the vaccine, and don't qualify for an exemption, will be able to continue to work in a state-owned or operated property only by undergoing a weekly COVID-19 test.
The test option, however, will not be available to employees at state hospitals unless those workers qualify for an exemption. The executive order applies to people who work at state agencies but doesn't include court or legislative employees.
"Courts have upheld employer rights to mandate vaccination," SEBAC said in a statement. "The state of Connecticut is required to negotiate with their employees' unions over the details and impacts of the EO and the Lamont Administration has acknowledged its obligation to do so."
The Connecticut Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, voiced support for Lamont's order.
"We appreciate the governor's effort to ensure the safety of all by having as many vaccinated people in our schools as possible. In traveling to school districts and listening to local teachers, we've heard concerns from many who favor a vaccine mandate, and others who want the ability for monitored exceptions," CEA President Kate Dias said in a written statement.
