New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
CT Senate extends COVID orders over GOP objection
The state Senate on Tuesday, over the opposition of Republicans, approved the extension of several COVID-related executive orders that were set to expire April 15.
Part of the legislation would allow the state Department of Public Health to set rules on the disclosure of vaccination status to health care providers, school nurses and local health directors.
The bill, which passed 19-13 with four absent, would also permit health providers to administer booster shots when people have misplaced their original vaccination cards, as long as they consult the vaccination database.
Another section of the measure would allow state officials to provide or arrange non-congregant housing with sufficient physical distancing to deter the transmission of COVID-19.
The legislation, which was criticized by Republican senators displeased with the form it was presented to them, would extend procedures aimed at encouraging the hiring of health professionals in the ongoing pandemic.
It would also continue a rental assistance and require landlords to apply to the program before delivering eviction notices for nonpayment of rent.
“That's an abuse of power in my mind,” said Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield. “I support a number of concepts presented here, but I will be voting against these executive orders.”
Gov. Ned Lamont, during a virtual news conference from his COVID-related quarantine in the Governor's Residence in Hartford, said Tuesday the extension of the orders will allow more nurses and nurse's aides to work by relaxing certification requirements.
“If there is a flare up, make sure we have flexibility, so that we don't have to jam people into congregate housing if they've got COVID,” Lamont said. “We can get them separated. Some of it is just preventative. I appreciate the Senate taking a look at it.”
The state reported Tuesday an additional 3,680 COVID cases had been identified out of 63,220 reported tests over the past seven days, for positivity rate of 5.82 percent. COVID-related hospitalizations increased by seven compared to this time last week for a total of 113 statewide.
Lamont said if he considered it two weeks ago, when COVID positivity rates were down, he might have thought the ability to examine vaccination records was not necessary.
“Two weeks later, you know, I see some spike-ups. I see what's happening in Europe. I think it's prudent,” Lamont said. “I'd like to think nurses ought to know who's been vaccinated, especially if folks are coming in for another vaccination, they've lost their records. A little bit more information for a nurse is always helpful.”
Asked to explain why the orders did not go through a usual legislative process of review, Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, co-chairman of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, noted the orders were set to expire on April 15.
“We are operating in an executive order silo,” said Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, RStratford. “All of these initiatives could have benefited from a committee process and a bill.”