Unvaccinated New York healthcare workers have scored a temporary win against the state’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
A judge on Thursday issued a temporary injunction that blocks the state from enforcing the mandate on healthcare workers who claim it violates their religious rights. The decision effectively puts enforcement of the mandate on hold until a three-judge panel conducts a hearing on the mandate Oct. 14.
New York’s vaccine mandate for home care workers is set to take effect on Thursday. It has been in effect for healthcare workers at hospitals, doctors offices and long-term care facilities a week, since Sept. 27. The Home Care Association of New York said a recent survey of members indicated a large number of home care workers will leave their jobs, rather than get the required vaccine.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) issued the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers in mid-August, just weeks before the Biden administration announced a federal vaccine mandate. The mandate has prompted more healthcare workers to get the shots in order to keep their jobs. Approximately 92% are currently vaccinated.
