HARTFORD – Days before the holiday season gatherings and celebrations, the timing could not be worse to have a spike in Covid infections, particularly the infectious Omicron variant. Recent headlines and tracking data showing the spread of the Delta and Omicron variant strains of the coronavirus and resultant higher infection rates (164 out of 169 CT towns are in the “red zone”).
I personally believe in the science and safety of the available Covid vaccines and boosters. It is more important than ever to be constantly tested and get vaccinated against Covid, and if possible get the booster shot as well. I strongly encourage everyone to work together to defeat this infectious and dangerous virus.
I have written to Gov. Lamont to request additional testing sites be made available to residents who are trying their best to keep their loved ones and themselves safe. According to The Courant, “in response to growing scarcity of testing, Connecticut is expanding the hours of its 23 state testing sites, as well as adding seven additional sites, state officials said Monday.” Also, the state employee testing requirement has been paused, so that frees up about half the traffic the state has seen at the existing sites.
I encourage people to know the science and medical facts from trusted professionals and make a well informed decision to protect yourself and your loved ones. It should always be a person’s “bodily choice” decision, not government controlled mandates, but I implore you to become vaccinated.
Recent statistics show that unvaccinated individuals currently have the following increased risk rates –
- 5 times higher risk of being infected with COVID-19
- 20 times higher risk of dying from COVID-19
- 15 times higher risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19
Please take these risks into consideration when weighing any decisions regarding vaccines and boosters. Take precautions when you are out in public or at gatherings of all sizes, especially in indoor settings. Wear your mask when necessary and appropriate, practice social distancing and frequently wash your hands.
WHERE TO FIND TESTING & VACCINATION SITES
Connecticut’s 211 infoline and website can connect you to available testing sites throughout the state sorted by towns and zip codes. Walk-in and appointment options are available.
The federal government has established a dedicated website: vaccines.gov where you can search for available vaccine appointments by zip code and preferred brand of Covid vaccines. With a few clicks you have a list of where and when you can get your vaccine.
It is recommended that individuals 18 years and older should get a Covid-19 booster shot if it has been at least two months since you received J&J or six months since you received a second shot of Pfizer or Moderna.
211 Infoline Testing:
https://www.211ct.org/search?terms=COVID-19
Vaccination/Booster Locations
The post Senator Tony Hwang Shares Important Covid-19 Testing, Vaccine & Booster Resources (VIDEO) appeared first on Connecticut Senate Republicans.
