(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Months after government leaders in Chicago and Cook County mandated vaccinations for employees, the Chief Judge is now following suit.
A statement issued Tuesday from Judge Timothy Evans said COVID vaccinations will be mandated for judges and other court employees, about 2,600 in all.
Unvaccinated employees will have 21 days to get the first shot. Those who don’t comply face will possible termination, according to the statement.
“This step is being taken to ensure the safest possible workplace for our employees, and to protect employees of our justice partners, court services patrons, residents of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, and the general public,” Evans said.
The chief judge is allowing for exemptions based on “medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs,” by Jan. 17.
Evans cited the surge in coronavirus infections from the Omicron variant, which is considered highly contagious.
Details were being worked out, he said, and talks would begin with unions that represent workers.
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