Gov. Ned Lamont said he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Max Reiss, director of communications for the governor, said Lamont took a regularly-scheduled COVID-19 rapid self-test this morning and it showed a positive diagnosis, which was later confirmed with a second rapid self-test.
Lamont will quarantine at home for the next five days and will not attend any in-person events or meetings, Reiss said.
Lamont Tweeted that he is not experiencing any symptoms.
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The governor received his second booster of a COVID-19 vaccine last week.
“I wanted you to hear straight from me that I tested positive for COVID-19 today. I feel good and I’m not experiencing any symptoms. We’ve done contact tracing to let people know. Thankfully I’m double boosted and I encourage everyone to get your vaccine and boosters if eligible,” Lamont Tweeted.
“I’m going to isolate for the next few days and this may mean fewer in-person events but I’m continuing to work from home, and I look forward to getting back into the office as soon as I can,” he said on social media.
Lamont canceled two planned appearances on Thursday after receiving his results.
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However, on Wednesday, he visited a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Hartford and attended public events in Middletown and Clinton. Reiss said the three appearances were either outdoors or held inside a large building.
“He is currently awaiting the results of a PCR test. Our office has also conducted contact tracing to identify and inform close contacts. He is feeling good and not experiencing any symptoms, and he is grateful that he is receiving protection from the second booster shot he received last week,” Reiss said in a statement.
Gov. Lamont tweeted a video later Thursday with an update on his diagnosis.
Lamont is at least the 16th U.S. governor to test positive for COVID-19, according to an Associated Press tally. His positive test comes a week after another Northeast governor, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, tested positive.
“Per CDC guidance and out of an abundance of caution, the governor will quarantine at home for the next five days and not attend any in-person events or meetings. He will continue to monitor himself for symptoms and will take another PCR test in several days. The governor continues to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and receive their boosters in order to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Reiss added.
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