About 9,000 people employed in the public sector in New York went on unpaid leave for refusing to comply with the order of the authorities to be vaccinated against COVID-19, which comes into force from 1st of November, the Associated Press reported, citing the mayor. of the city of Bill de Blasio.
About nine out of ten employees covered by the order have been vaccinated and there are no disruptions to the work of their services, De Blasio said. The administration and other public sector structures in New York employ more than 300,000 people. “I want to thank everyone who was vaccinated. Thank you for getting vaccinated. Thank you for doing the right thing. Thank you for making it possible for us to move forward,” the mayor said.
The measure of compulsory vaccination of New York employees came into force today against the background of the refusal of a minority of them, including police officers and firefighters, to be vaccinated. Until yesterday, one in four firefighters and one in six New York City police officers was still without a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. More than 3,500 employees were vaccinated against COVID-19 over the weekend.
About 12,000 have applied for exemption from compulsory vaccination for religious or medical reasons. According to the rules introduced by the city authorities, employees who have not been vaccinated will be left without pay. Authorities in New York have said they are ready for a possible shortage of staff, hoping that vaccinated workers will work extra to cover gaps in work schedules.
The head of the New York Fire Brigade, who opposed mandatory vaccination, warned that public safety could be put at risk. The fire service said it was ready to shut down up to 20 per cent of its crews.
“We are here today because of an order that affects not only our members, but all New York City government officials who have been given nine days to make a decision that could change their lives and affect their careers. “, said the chairman of the union of firefighters Andrew Ansbro at a morning press conference.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city’s top priority is to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which continues to take the lives of locals every day.
