[ad_1]
COVID vaccine required for City of Milwaukee employees
Milwaukee County officials, including County Executive David Crowley and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, provided an update on COVID-19.
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced on Tuesday, August 24, that COVID-19 vaccines will be mandatory for City of Milwaukee employees.
The move follows reviews by both the Milwaukee Health Department and the city’s Employee Relations Department, a press release said.
The new requirement for general city employees – including temporary employees and interns – went into effect on Wednesday, September 1. Unvaccinated employees will have until Friday, October 29 to produce proof of vaccination.
SIGN UP TODAY: Receive Daily Headlines, Latest Email News from FOX6 News
Employees who fail to comply with the requirements will face an initial unpaid suspension of up to 30 days, and continued non-compliance will result in termination of employment, the press release said.
The move follows official approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday of the Pfizer vaccine.
Milwaukee County Officials Discuss COVID
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for city employees, and other Milwaukee County officials discussed the latest trends and information related to the pandemic.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Receive late-breaking alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.
The City of Milwaukee is still in discussions with public sector employee unions about the applicability of the new requirements to members. For now, the statement said, vaccination requirements do not apply to employees represented by a union. Milwaukee Police and Fire Services are represented by unions.
“We have an obligation to provide a safe workplace for all employees, and a vaccinated workforce is one of them,” Barrett said. “A vaccinated workforce also helps protect members of the public who interact with employees, as well as family members of city employees.”
City employees will receive up to two hours of paid leave to get vaccinated. The new policy includes provisions for employees requesting exemption from compulsory vaccination based on specific medical or religious criteria.
The Milwaukee Health Department is providing free COVID-19 vaccines to the North West Health Center located near 76th and Mill and the Southside Health Center located near 23rd and Mitchell. Both locations are open Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition, the Milwaukee Health Department will be running vaccination clinics for city employees at various locations. The times and locations of the vaccination clinics will be communicated in the coming days. Employees can also visit their health care provider or local pharmacies for free administration of the vaccine.
Oriental theater requirements
Built in 1927, the historic Oriental Theater on the east side of Milwaukee has seen its share of change over the past 94 years. However, the past year has perhaps been one of the most difficult.
“It has been a very difficult time for the film industry,” said Jonathan Jackson, CEO of Milwaukee Film.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the Oriental Theater to close its doors for the first time since World War II. It is now reopening with new COVID-19 rules. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours will be required. The property also requires all guests to wear masks. All employees are vaccinated.
“By taking these precautions, we can help ensure it’s a safe environment,” Jackson said. “We know this industry is going to thrive again.”
The Oriental Theater is one of many trying to close the curtain on a dark time.
[ad_2]
Source link