New mandates may be in your area as the pandemic continues…
In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced what he’s referring to as a “first-in-the-nation vaccine mandate” for private companies. All employees must be vaccinated and employers have until Dece,ber 27 to assure it.
New York City has just announced a first in the nation #COVID19 vaccine mandate for private sector employees. Join us at City Hall for more. https://t.co/PD7MGrbzpk
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) December 6, 2021
With the new Omicron variant and people planning on gathering for the holidays, the mayor said he was “forced” to take a bold step, MSNBC reports. Businesses have three weeks to ensure all employees are vaccinated. Mayor de Blasio told the news outlet,
“We in New York City have decided to use a preemptive strike to really do something bold to stop a further growth of COVID and the dangers it’s causing to all of us.”
NEW: @NYCMayor announcing on MSNBC this morning that as of today NYC will do "first in the nation measure" – a vax mandate for all private sector across the board, as of Dec. 27.
— Sally Goldenberg (@SallyGold) December 6, 2021
In addition, he also said, starting December 14, 5-11-year-old students must show proof of one vaccine dose to participate in high-risk extracurriculars, including sports, band, and dance.
We’re keeping our @NYCSchools some of the safest places in the city.
Starting December 14, 5-11 year old students must show proof of one vaccine dose to participate in high-risk extracurriculars including sports, band, and dance.
Get them vaccinated: https://t.co/pheNb8iALF pic.twitter.com/C9b4SYNsG8
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) December 6, 2021
ABC reports some restaurant workers weren’t happy about the mandate. Jeremy Wladis, in the food business, was worried by the change. “It’s going to make it difficult, without a doubt,” he said. “It may be a little fast. It may be a little strong. And as usual, it’s ‘get the restaurants to be the policeman.’ I mean, the vaccines just became available for children recently, and I can’t imagine all kids have had the opportunity to get vaccinated.”
Some wished this mandate was put in place later on. Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, said, “I don’t know what the exact difference would be of this smaller segment of the population to have this implemented now versus postponing it just a little bit,” he said.
Mayor de Blasio believes the new mandate will withstand legal challenges. He said, “We’ve been in court many times on a variety of issues, state court, federal court,” he said. “We have, every single time, been validated by the courts.”