New Jersey Mandates Vaccines or Weekly Testing for All School Staff

Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey will mandate vaccinations or bi-weekly coronavirus testing for all school staff, NBC 4 reported.

Additionally, all state employees, including those at state agencies, authorities, and public colleges will have to be fully vaccinated or be tested bi-weekly, minimum. Full compliance is required by October 18.

Murphy announced earlier this month that students and staff will be required to wear masks.

“This executive order applies to all public, private, and parochial preschool programs and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools,” Murphy tweeted. “It also applies to ALL individuals employed by a school – whether they work full time or part time.”

California, Washington, Oregon, Connecticut and New York City have all announced vaccine mandates for educational system employees. New York City is not providing a testing alternative for unvaccinated people.

“All these developments point to an urgent need for everyone to get vaccinated, especially for parents to take their 12- to 17-year-olds to be vaccinated as soon as possible,” New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said earlier this month.

The percentage of those hospitalized with the coronavirus in New Jersey who are children has tripled since January. Hospitalizations reached 911, the highest level since May, the majority of whom are unvaccinated patients. Children under 12 are not yet eligible for the vaccine.

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smarcus@hamodia.com