A mandate ordering New York health care workers to get the Covid-19 vaccine went into effect Monday at midnight.
The mandate means that more than 80,000 healthcare workers face the chop if they do not receive the jab.
Several hospitals have already fired more than two dozen health care workers. The remaining workers have just 30 days to get the vaccine or be terminated. At least 16% of the state’s hospital workers are not fully vaccinated.
The executive order was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who recently replaced Andrew Cuomo, who resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment.
“The only way we can move past this pandemic is to ensure that everyone eligible is vaccinated, and that includes those who are taking care of our vulnerable family members and loved ones,” Hochul said in a statement.
“On Saturday I released a comprehensive plan in advance of the deadline for the vaccine mandate that keeps New Yorkers safe, and tonight I am adding even more provisions to take bold action to alleviate potential staffing shortages. To monitor developments on the ground, I am also directing an around-the-clock operations center to assist local partners and troubleshoot staffing issues in real time.”
Hospital employees ordered to be vaccinated against diseases is nothing new. However, there appears to be some unease surrounding the vaccine because of how new it is and the ever-changing information surrounding the various strains.
And more simply — some people are just anti-vaxxers.
The governor adds that 92% of hospital staff, 92% of nursing home staff, and 89% of adult care facility staff had at least one vaccine dose.
