Lamont announces new Covid guidelines

Today new guidelines went into effect that requires anyone traveling to Connecticut from states that are currently seeing a huge increase in Covid-19 cases to self-quarantine for two weeks.

Connecticut is making the most progress in battling this pandemic due in large part to Gov. Ned Lamont's exceptional leadership and also the vast majority of state residents who take this crisis seriously.

A shocking comparison to other states with terrible leadership is Florida and Texas, which have Trump-loving pandemic-denying governors. Both states are currently experiencing a tremendous spike in new cases. The nation as a whole set a record yesterday for new cases.

But Connecticut is doing amazingly well. Stats from two days ago show our state leading the nation in reducing new cases.

The only thing I'd like to see changed with the new requirement is the option for someone coming into the state be tested within 72 hours before arrival and provide a certificate that shows a negative test result before allowing them to stay in a hotel, campground, or AirBnb.

Maine has enacted just such a law, and it seems to be working.

Under Keep Maine Healthy:

The State will allow adults who obtain and receive a negative COVID-19 test from a specimen taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival to forgo the 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Maine. This test indicates that, even when coming from areas with a higher prevalence of the disease than Maine’s, such visitors are unlikely to have COVID-19 and to spread it to Maine residents and other visitors. Individuals may be tested in Maine, but they must quarantine while awaiting the results.

People who are not Maine, New Hampshire or Vermont residents must complete a Certificate of Compliance form indicating they have received a negative COVID-19 test result, that they will quarantine in Maine for 14 days, or that they have already completed their quarantine in Maine.
This Certificate of Compliance must be provided to check-in at all Maine lodging, campgrounds, seasonal rentals, and other commercial lodging, such as Airbnb. Visitors may be asked to furnish  proof of the negative test result upon request.

This kind of approach makes a lot of sense and I think our state would benefit from a similar program, rather than simply relying on voluntary self-quarantine.