CT Coronavirus: Lamont Clarifies Mask Use, Answers Questions

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont appeared on WFSB’s Face the State with host Dennis House to answer viewer questions about the coronavirus that ranged from clarification on mask use to a harrowing account of how one viewer was let down by a nursing home.

One viewer claimed their mother died from the coronavirus Sunday at a nursing home and that the communication about her health wasn’t up to par. The viewer said they got a call from the nursing home that the mother was unresponsive for two days followed by another phone call that she was weak. She died shortly after.

The only indication that the mother had coronavirus was from the death certificate, the viewer said. The viewer didn’t get the chance to say goodbye.

“My goodbye to my mother was to a coffin at the cemetery,” the viewer said.

Lamont said nursing homes have an obligation to keep family members informed every step of the way.

“That’s outrageous, that’s not right, we are going to find out about that,” Lamont said about the situation.

The state has been sending inspectors to nursing homes and so far has inspected more than half of the homes. Inspectors are making sure infection control protocol is being followed and that nursing homes have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment. The state is supplying homes that have low levels of protective equipment with wares from its own supply.

“I’m so sorry for your loss and I can’t stand the way that happened, it’s not going to happen again,” Lamont said.

Face masks

Lamont said his face mask executive order is mainly being self-enforced. Masks don’t have to be used every time someone steps outside their home; taking a walk with another household member in an uncrowded area likely wouldn’t require the use of a mask.

“I’m not being dictatorial about these rules, but if you are in a store, wear a mask,” Lamont said.

He also encouraged customers to speak up if employees weren’t wearing masks.

“Help us out, go tell the person who runs that store that you are not going to go back to that store if people don’t wear masks,” he said.

People who don’t have a mask can use scarves or bandanas or another type of cloth covering, Lamont said.

Watch the full Face the State interview here.