COVID News: Connecticut has most vaccinated adults in US at 84%

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Connecticut is number one in the country for the number of vaccinated adults at 84%.

But so far, only 18% of adults have had a booster shot.

Governor Ned Lamont's advice is, "Don't wait!"

He's also thinks it might be best to err on the side of caution by requiring masks in schools a bit longer.

Lamont says 84% of executive branch employees are fully vaccinated, while another 11% are receiving weekly testing.

Here are more of today's COVID-19 headlines:

De Blasio calls on Gov. Hochul to institute vax mandate for MTA workers

Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to implement a vaccination requirement for MTA workers.

"Here is an opportunity to do something that will really help New York City," the mayor said Tuesday morning, addressing Hochul publicly during his daily briefing at City Hall. "Put a mandate in place for MTA employees. It's time to do it."

Right now, unvaccinated MTA workers can submit to regular testing. Tony Utano, president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, wasted no time responding.

"The MTA's unionized workforce and millions of transit riders are grateful this Thanksgiving that Mayor de Blasio does not run the subway and bus system - and is finally heading out the door," Utano said. "The current system in which transit workers have a choice to be vaccinated or be regularly tested is working while we continue to educate and urge members to get the shot."

Long Island hospital temporarily closing ER due to nursing staff shortages

The emergency department at a Nassau County hospital has temporarily closed due to nursing staff shortages as a result of New York's vaccine mandate. Officials at Mount Sinai South Nassau said Monday that all other options were exhausted before the decision was made to close the ER, starting at 3 p.m. Instead, patients in need of emergency care will be directed to the hospital's main campus in Oceanside. An ambulance will be stationed at the ER at all times for the duration of the closure.

Erie County institutes indoor mask mandate

With positivity rates increasing, Erie County implemented a mask mandate for all indoor public locations starting 6 a.m. Tuesday. The indoor mask mandate is phase one of a four phase plan. Erie County hopes not have to implement the other phases, which include vaccinations, capacity restrictions and shutdowns.

Gov. Kathy Hochul commended the Erie County executive for taking strong local action, calling it "an example of the leadership we need to see at the local level to combat this deadly virus."

New York City COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker

New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus

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