There were questions about whether New York City’s new mayor, Eric Adams, who assumed office on New Year’s Day, would extend the vaccine mandate instituted by his predecessor, Bill De Blasio, but they have been answered in the affirmative, with Adams confirming during a weekday Covid presser that the private employer vaccine mandate would continue. This announcement comes on the heels of the reinstitution of the mask mandate.
Speaking to the press, Adams and other city health officials stressed that they wanted New York to remain open. This means continuing the mandate, with officials noting that emphasis would remain on compliance for private firms rather than punishment. A unit dedicated to working with small businesses and other stakeholders was also announced. There will also be a need for the city to study whether boosters should be included in the mandate going forward.
In addition to the private business mandate, another looming issue to be taken up by the Adams administration will be a spring deadline to decide whether or not vaccines should be required for attending schools in the 2022 school year. Already, the Omicron wave has wreaked havoc on school systems across the country, and has led to increased hospitalizations of younger children.
For a full explanation of the current mandate visit the NYC gov explainer here.
