New York City Fires 1,400 Workers For Defying COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

KEY POINTS

Up to 4,000 workers were initially expected to be fired for violating the vaccine mandate
Many workers got vaccinated against COVID-19 after receiving a notice from city officials
More firings could come as the city decides on requests for vaccine exemption for medical or religious reasons

More than 1,400 government workers in the city of New York have been fired after refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the mayor’s office announced Monday.

Mayor Eric Adams, D-N.Y., fired 1,430 workers who failed to submit proof of getting at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine by last Friday. The firings come after former Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a vaccine mandate in October 2021.

The firings included 36 New York Police Department (NYPD) personnel, 25 Fire Department staffers, 101 workers from the New York City Housing Authority and 914 people from the Department of Education.

Monday’s terminations were far fewer than previously expected. In January, city officials sent notices to up to 4,000 workers, warning them to show proof that they have gotten at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine or they would lose their jobs.

At the time the notices were sent out, approximately 3,000 workers were already put on leave without pay after missing an earlier deadline for getting vaccinated. After the notices were sent out, hundreds of workers got the shots.

“City workers served on the front lines during the pandemic, and by getting vaccinated, they are, once again, showing how they are willing to do the right thing to protect themselves and all New Yorkers," Adams said in a statement. “I’m grateful to all the city workers who continue to serve New Yorkers and ‘Get Stuff Done’ for the greatest city in the world.”

New York City has some of the strictest vaccine mandates across the United States. The city requires all its workers to be vaccinated. Private employers are also required to ensure that their workers have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Residents who wish to enter restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues are also required to show proof of vaccination before they are allowed entry.

More workers may still lose their jobs as city officials decide who are exempted from getting vaccinated for medical or religious reasons. At least 13,044 city workers have filed for exemptions. As of Monday, 7,030 requests have been decided on.

About 70% of the requests, or 4,919, have been denied and 2,118 have been approved. However, workers are allowed to file an appeal.