Monday was a big day for mandatory vaccination announcements as a concern of the delta variant grows. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday state employees and health care workers will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine. California is the first state to impose such vaccination mandates on government employees. Repercussions of not getting the vaccine could include getting tested at least weekly. Roughly 246,000 state employees fall under the requirement which will be implemented on August 23rd.
The Department of Veterans Affairs also made a similar announcement Monday, becoming the first federal agency to require vaccinations. 115,000 of its “most patient-facing” workers are to be vaccinated in the next two months. If the members do not comply, they will face penalties and possible removal. Those who fall under the mandate include doctors, dentists, registered nurses, physician assistants and some specialists. Secretary of veterans affairs Denis McDonough reportedly told the New York Times “I am doing this because it’s the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also announced all municipal workers will be forced to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before schools reopen. Those who do not will face weekly testing. DeBlasio’s policy will affect roughly 340,000 city workers such as teachers and police officers. Health care workers were mandated last week.
Vaccination mandates and proof of vaccination status are beginning to infiltrate the courts. Last month, a federal Texas judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by Houston hospital employees. Employees of Houston Methodist Hospital brought the suit against the hospital to fight its COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
