Vaccination Order for New York Healthcare and Government Workers

New York state is preparing to require public healthcare and government workers to get a Covid-19 vaccination by Labor Day.

Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced the vaccine mandate. He acknowledged he expects to encounter some opposition to the directive.

Cuomo said he is prepared to work with union leaders in implementing the vaccine requirement. He said unvaccinated state government employees would be subject to weekly testing.

The governor said additional steps are required as the delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread.

New York state is assessing revised masking guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control. Mask use now is being recommended inside public places in areas of "substantial" Covid transmission.