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NYC details employer vaccine mandate rules
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Inspectors from city agencies will begin enforcing a vaccine mandate for all private employers on Dec. 27 and violators may face a $1,000 fine, officials announced Wednesday.
Mayor Bill de Blasio released more detailed guidelines after issuing a first-in-the-nation order that all private employers require their workers to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
De Blasio said the city will only resort to fines after warning businesses and letting them get their records in order. “We want a cooperative, positive approach,” he said.
“The goal is not to penalize. The goal is simply to make this work," he said.
According to the rules released Wednesday, unvaccinated employees cannot be allowed into a physical workplace — such as an office or retail store — beginning Dec. 27.
Those who refuse to get the shot may be fired, but employers also have the option to let them work from home. “As long as you keep the worker out of the workplace, it is your decision whether to discipline or fire such worker, or if the worker can contribute to your business while working remotely,” the city’s documents say.
Key context: De Blasio put the sweeping order in place as a “pre-emptive strike” against the more contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Virus cases have risen sharply in recent weeks, with 3,103 new infections reported on Wednesday. Hospitals admitted 176 new patients.
The new mandate has faced criticism from business leaders.
Previously, the city already required proof of vaccination for indoor dining, entertainment and cultural venues, and gyms. Few violators have faced fines.
The city also previously mandated the vaccine for its own workforce.
“I’m watching other countries around the world, countries that have strong health care systems, strong economies, and yet they are going through hell right now. Look at Germany, look at Austria, look at the United Kingdom,” de Blasio said.
“They’re starting to turn to shutdowns, to restrictions. And we’ve got to make sure that does not happen here. And this is why we are so focused on vaccination. We are so focused on aggressive measures to make sure everyone gets vaccinated.”
Details: Employees must submit proof of at least one dose of the vaccine by Dec. 27, and must get their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna within 45 days.
Businesses are also required to sign an affirmation that they’re complying with the mandate and post it in their workplace.
The mandate covers some 184,000 businesses, every business with more than one employee. Self-employed people must comply if they interact in person with the public or other workers.
Some of the non-traditional employees who are covered, according to the latest rules, include Uber drivers, people who rent space in a coworking office like WeWork, and therapists who visit clients in their home.
Fines start at $1,000 but may go up for repeat offenses. Inspectors from several city agencies will be checking on businesses.
Employees may apply for religious or medical accommodations and can keep working until their boss makes a decision on the request.
What’s next: De Blasio will leave office a few days after the mandate takes effect and will be replaced by Eric Adams, who has avoided taking a clear position on the rules.
Read This Politico Article on Their Site HERE
