Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Sept. 3 signed an executive order that revives the state’s nurses aides program that was used last year.

The order permits nursing homes to hire temporary nurse aides who provide nursing-related services to residents. Temporary nurse aides will not be permitted to perform services that require a license but will help provide services to residents who are not Covid-19 positive, assure adequate staffing at long-term care facilities, and enable permanent nursing home staff to focus care on patients who have tested positive for Covid-19.

The governor also extended the deadline for long-term care facility staff to receive their first Covid-19 vaccination to Sept. 27 from a previous deadline of Sept. 7.

Connecticut reported a total of 376,747 confirmed and probable Covid-19 cases on Sept. 7, an increase of 1,612 cases since Sept. 3.