New York COVID Update: City Leaders Consider Extending Vaccine Mandate to Cops and Firefighters

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) – New York City is now considering expanding its vaccination mandate to more city employees like cops and firefighters.

On Wednesday, there was a tense scene in Harlem when a man opened fire on police – and dozens of officers stormed the block to protect the neighborhood and each other.

But when it comes to protection against COVID-19, the department is lagging behind. According to the latest figures from the city, more than three in ten police officers are not vaccinated.

“I would support a vaccination warrant,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “I said from day one I think the science, the health, the emergency we’re in, that makes sense.”

Shea sat down with the mayor to discuss crime statistics and said he was prepared to demand the vaccine from the 35,000 NYPD members.

It’s something the mayor said is on his way to every agency, now that the teachers’ tenure has fought off a litany of court challenges.

“By ensuring that our largest agency by far, the Department of Education, implements these mandates effectively,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We are really happy with this, 95% of the education workers in the ministry who are now vaccinated, a big deal, making our schools safe and our children safe. Now we will turn our attention to all the other parts of the world. puzzle. “

For months, most city workers have had the option of being tested weekly for COVID instead of getting vaccinated.

But with only 68% of cops vaccinated, and even less than firefighters, de Blasio hinted his patience was running out of steam.

It takes place on FDNY’s annual Memorial Day to commemorate members lost in the past year – including two who died from COVID.

First responders from both agencies were on the front lines of the pandemic and many fell ill.

Fire Marshal Daniel Nigro said the New York Bravest, who don’t mind bumping into burning buildings, should have no qualms about being shot.

“I think it’s about time people had a long time to think about this, for our members to be mandated,” said Nigro. “We treat the public, their families deserve it, they deserve it and the public deserve it.”

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