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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio)— The first phase of the City of Boston's COVID vaccine mandate began Monday.
This phase covers city employees who work with individuals or groups classified as 'high priority'. This includes those working in public schools and libraries as well as employees who work with disabilities commission.
Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey spoke to WBZ's Karyn Regal (@karynregal) about the importance of the mandates.
"The hope is that people will choose to get vaccinated if they aren't already," Janey said. "That has always been the goal, to make sure that we're doing everything we can to protect our workforce as well as those who we serve."
At least 9,000 of the city's 18,000 employees reported their vaccination status on Monday. City employees who do not verify their vaccination status will have to submit to weekly testing.
While some unions have spoken out against the mandates, Janey encouraged them to change their tone.
"I would hope that our union leaders would encourage their members to go ahead and get vaccinated if they aren't already," Janey said.
The second phase of the mandate, which applies to all other City employees, onsite contractors and volunteers, goes into effect on Oct. 18.
WBZ's Karyn Regal (@karynregal) has more.
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