COVID-19 vaccines will become optional for current and prospective city workers on Friday, Feb. 10, after “the expected ratification at the next Board of Health meeting” scheduled for Feb. 9, Adams said in a press release.

Approximately 1,780 city workers who were fired for refusing to get vaccinated will not be reinstated automatically, but will be allowed to apply for jobs with their former departments “through existing city rules and regulations and hiring processes,” the release noted.

The lifting of the mandate will extend to non-public school, early child care and day care workers, the release said.

Public school buildings, meanwhile, will no longer require visitors to provide proof of vaccination, according to the release.

“With more than 96% of city workers and more than 80% of New Yorkers having received their primary COVID-19 series and more tools readily available to keep us healthy, this is the right moment for this decision,” Adams said in a statement. “I continue to urge every New Yorker to get vaccinated, get boots, and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and those around them from COVID-19.”

The mayor’s announcement came nearly a year after the city terminated 1,430 municipal workers in one day for failing to submit proof that they were vaccinated.

The city dropped its vaccine mandate for private-sector workers this past November.

New York City Ends Vaccine Mandate for City Workers NY TIMES

In the Times’ article, Dr. Ashwin Vasan says:

“The city’s health commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, said that vaccine mandates had been an important tool, but that the city was now leaving the “emergency phase of the pandemic.”

“It’s clear these mandates saved lives and were absolutely necessary to meet the moment,” he said.”

Yeah, probably. But the termination of excellent, hard-working City workers instead of suspension with pay and remote work? Unconscionable.

See also:

Eric Adams lifts COVID vax mandate for NYC workers — but what of the 1,780 fired?

NYC ending COVID-19 vaccination mandate for city employees

EXCLUSIVE: Teachers Accused of Paying For Fake COVID Vaccination Cards Are Vindicated, Return To Their Jobs and Get Backpay

Betsy

Betsy Combier, Editor
betsy@advocatz.com

Editor, ADVOCATZ.com
Editor, ADVOCATZ Blog
Editor, NYC Rubber Room Reporter
Editor, Parentadvocates.org
Editor, New York Court Corruption
Editor, National Public Voice
Editor, NYC Public Voice
Editor, Inside 3020-a Teacher Trials