Massachusetts announced on Wednesday a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate for most nursing home workers. Separately, the state of Connecticut is drafting an order to the same effect.
According to a release from the Massachusetts state government, the mandate for staff to be vaccinated is “to strengthen infection control and protect vulnerable residents.”
It applies to all staff in the state’s 378 skilled nursing facilities and two Soldiers’ Homes. The staff includes “all individuals employed directly or by contract” by the long-term care providers.
Specifically, all unvaccinated workers are required to get the first dose of a two-dose vaccine by Sept. 1, and be fully vaccinated by Oct. 10.
According to the release, 155 facilities had less than 75 percent of their staff fully vaccinated as of Aug. 2.
There will be exemptions for people with “medical restrictions or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from receiving vaccination.”
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, said at a press conference on Wednesday that the requirement is a “priority” for his administration, according to the outlet. He added that he expects the administration to issue the order within the next 24 hours.