NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — Newark will require all city employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or face possible termination, according to a report.
WABC-TV obtained an executive order from Mayor Ras Baraka on Friday, which reportedly said workers must soon provide physical proof of receiving their shot. Anyone not yet vaccinated will have 30 days to do so.
During that 30-day period, unvaccinated workers will have to undergo weekly COVID testing until full vaccination, the report said.
According to WABC, rapid tests will not be accepted. All employees will be responsible for testing and anyone who cannot provide a negative test will be sent home.
Workers who are sent home will not be paid for missed days and failure to comply with the new policy can result in disciplinary actions or possible termination, the report added.
Newark will be accepting medical or religious exemptions, but they will need to be certified under penalty of perjury, according to the report.
The city is also reportedly mandating that masks be worn in all municipal buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
"Requiring our municipal workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is about protecting the health and well-being of our municipal team, their families, as well as the residents and visitors they come into contact with," Mayor Baraka told WABC.
He adds that as the delta variant continues to cause a rise in cases, the city is taking “whatever steps necessary to safeguard and ensure everyone’s safety.”
The executive order is reported to take effect on Monday, Aug. 16.