NY Vaccine Mandate Upheld, New Mandates Begin Nov. 1

New York Goveror Kathy Hochul is applauding a decision by a federal appeals panel upholding the state's vaccine mandate for health care workers.

The Associated Press reports the ruling late Friday, October 29 by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a decision by a judge in Utica who had temporarily blocked vaccination requirements on the grounds that the mandate did not accommodate religious exemptions.

In a brief order, a panel of three 2nd Circuit judges also upheld a ruling by a Brooklyn judge who had found the mandate constitutional. The appeals court said a written decision would follow at a later date.

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In a brief statement Friday, Democrat Hochul said “I pledged as Governor to battle this pandemic and take bold action to protect the health of all New Yorkers.  I commend the Second Circuit’s findings affirming our first-in-the-nation vaccine mandate, and I will continue to do everything in my power to keep New Yorkers safe.”

Another mandate goes into effect now. Office of Mental Health and Office of Persons With Developmental Disability-certified employees were given until November 1 to have at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine without a test-out option. Those who don't comply will not be allow to work for the state programs in areas like certified mental health hospitals, group homes and other facilities.