FILE – Gov. Ned Lamont, left, talks with Jeanne Peters, 95, during a visit to The Reservoir nursing home, after she was given the first COVID-19 vaccination, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in West Hartford, Conn. A dozen nursing home residents died from COVID-19 in Connecticut over a recent two week period in November 2021, which is the largest number since mid-August. (AP Photo/Stephen Dunn, Pool, File)
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont (D) predicted the state will be able to avoid a surge in hospitalizations amid the Omicron variant. On Sunday, he said although he is concerned about the new variant, he’s confident the state will be able to prevent hospitalizations as more than 95 percent of people over the age of 12 have been vaccinated.
The Democrat stressed nursing homes in Connecticut are facing staff shortages and noted that he won’t be mandating booster shots. Additionally, he suggested the CDC needs to be more clear about booster dose guidelines.
“You had to be a little clearer and simpler if you want people to get their booster,” Lamont stated. “So early on, we said 18 and over. It was more than six-months ago you got your last shot. Get the booster. People are coming in. It’s simple and easy for them to understand.”
This evening we confirmed the first case of the Omicron variant in CT.
This is not a cause for alarm. We have life-saving tools available and I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to fight this pandemic. Get your vaccination. Get your booster. https://t.co/gouzUyHCVx
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) December 5, 2021
His comments came after the first case of the Omicron variant was detected in Connecticut on Saturday.
