Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey has announced a vaccine mandate for all city workers. Employees will have to report their COVID-19 vaccination status or submit to weekly testing.
The mandate is aimed at protecting the 18,000 city workers, as well as the public.
"Our purpose is to protect our employees and the public, and our work is rooted in public health guidance and based on data and science,” Mayor Janey said. "I am grateful for the continued collaboration with our municipal unions to ensure the safety of our entire workforce and the residents we serve."
Read More: Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Shows Higher Efficacy Rate Against Delta Variant
Janey said the requirement will take place in phases. All employees who provide services to high priority residents, including the Boston Public Schools, will have to comply by Sept. 20, 2021. All onsite contractors and volunteers who provide services to high priority residents have until Oct. 4. All other city employees, onsite contractors and volunteers have until Oct. 18 to comply.
Starting on Aug. 30, 2021, employees will be able to upload their vaccination verification into the Vaccination Verification online portal.
Free vaccinations and testing will be available to employees at various times and locations throughout the city of Boston.
WBZ's Mike Macklin has details:
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App