Massachusetts announced on Wednesday a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate for most nursing home workers. Separately, the state of Connecticut is drafting an order to the same effect. The states’ decision come amid an increase in cases driven by the Delta variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. According to a release from the Massachusetts state government, the mandate for staff to be vaccinated is “to strengthen infection control and protect vulnerable residents.” It applies to all staff in the state’s 378 skilled nursing facilities and two Soldiers’ Homes. The staff includes “all individuals employed directly or by contract” by the long term care providers. Specifically, all unvaccinated workers are required to get a first dose of a two-dose vaccine by Sept. 1, and be fully vaccinated by Oct. 10. “To ensure compliance, beginning Oct. 10, 2021, the Department of Public Health (DPH) will enforce this mandate for provider operated skilled nursing homes,” …