Lamont Staff Member Tests Positive; Take Patch's Vaccine Survey

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont's Deputy Communications Coordinator, Rob Blanchard, said this weekend that he has tested positive for the coronavirus. He said he was informed Saturday that he tested positive for COVID-19.

"As many of you know and have seen, I am extremely careful and take all precautions when around the Governor and staff," Blanchard said. "I cannot pinpoint the precise location that I may have contracted the virus as I was negative for my COVID test on Monday and did not begin to display any symptoms until Friday — when I did not come to work at the Capitol. I will quarantine for the next two weeks and have been cooperating with public health officials in the contact tracing process."

"This is another example of the necessity to get tested and take all necessary measures to protect yourself and others," Blanchard said.

Paul Mounds, chief of staff for the Office of the Governor, said a "staff member" who tested positive for the coronavirus was in the proximity of Lamont as recently as Thursday, but the governor does not meet the criteria for close contact as outlined in the CDC guidelines, Mounds said. Mounds did not reveal who the staff member was but Blanchard posted a statement on Sunday saying he had tested positive.

Blanchard is experiencing mild symptoms and is in self-isolation. Lamont is feeling well and remained at his private residence through the weekend, Mounds said. Lamont will be tested again for the virus.

“We have implemented further protocols to limit contact with the governor, but this is yet another reminder that the virus is spreading across our state and the across the country,” Mounds said. “We all must continue to keep our guard up by wearing masks, avoiding gatherings, and taking necessary precautions like washing our hands regularly. Our administration, as we have demonstrated already, will take this case seriously and abide by the guidelines.”

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