Teachers, child care workers and state employees are now required to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Ned Lamont announced.

Gov. Lamont issued the executive order Thursday ahead of the start of school in a few weeks.

Under the executive order, pre-K through 12th grade teachers at all public and private schools, staff of child care facilities and all state employees must have at least one dose of the vaccine by Sept 27.

The executive order says that those who do not get vaccinated due to exemptions must take a weekly COVID test.

State hospital and long-term care employees will not have the option of getting tested, instead of getting vaccinated.

Gov. Lamont says that by issuing the vaccine mandate, the hope is to keep kids in the classroom full-time.