Cuomo orders vaccine mandate for health care workers

New York is issuing a mandate for all health care workers in the state to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 27 or undergo weekly testing. Gov. Cuomo’s office made the announcement Monday morning.

The state Department of Health will require COVID-19 shots for staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities – including nursing homes, adult care, and other congregate care settings – with limited exceptions.

The governor’s office says Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration was briefed prior to the announcement.

According to the governor’s office, 75% of the state’s hospital workers are already fully vaccinated, while 74% of adult care facility workers and 68% of nursing workers have received their COVID shots.

Cuomo also announced that the Health Department has approved a third COVID-19 vaccine dose for New Yorkers with compromised immune systems, following the CDC’s recommendation last week. Eligible New Yorkers can receive their third dose 28 days after the completion of their two-dose vaccine series, effective immediately.