Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on Mar. 11, 2020.
Officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization on Feb. 11, 2020, the novel coronavirus is thought to be spread by respiratory droplet transmission and/or contact with infected patients.
Find COVID-19 breaking news, what local officials need to know about the novel coronavirus and tips for government leaders in how to prepare for and educate on the COVID-19 pandemic here.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza accused the city of setting impossible standards for cops to receive benefits
Mayor Eric Adams said those fired for refusing to get immunized can reapply for their old jobs
After getting 155,730 applications from eligible essential workers, including LEOs, FFs, EMS providers and COs, lawmakers realized they would have to put more money in or slash benefits
A coalition of unions sued to block the mass firings, but a judge ruled in favor of the city Thursday
Mayor Adams said the ultimatum is about safety
The new order requires a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated
A city police union is still in arbitration, which could push the deadline back even further for officers
The Tulsa Firefighter’s Union and the city are in arbitration over pay raises
The ruling means that union employees will lose pay if they do not receive a first shot by the deadline
City employees were required to show proof of vaccination or request an exemption by last week
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said her decision to drop the suit comes as more officers comply by reporting their vaccine status
City employees who are not in compliance after Wednesday’s deadline will receive an advanced notice of termination
More than 25,000 city workers have until mid-January to get vaccinated or risk losing their jobs
About 1 in 6 police officers remained unvaccinated
Currently, 77% of the FDNY is vaccinated; 72% percent of firefighters are vaccinated, while EMTs stand at 84%
FOP President John Catanzara called on city councilors to overturn the mayor’s vaccine mandate
Officers who don’t comply could get put on no-pay status beginning Friday
A request for an injunction would prevent the city from requiring workers to disclose their vaccination status or be disciplined for not being vaccinated
The department says it is still encouraging recruits to get the COVID-19 vaccine
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