NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – Gov. Phil Murphy reportedly plans to issue a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for New Jersey's teachers this upcoming school year.
The governor could announce the requirement in days, two anonymous sources familiar with Murphy’s plans told NJ.com.
When asked about a vaccine mandate for teachers at his last Monday briefing before his vacation to Italy, Murphy said he would consider the requirement, as well as frequent testing for those who were not vaccinated.
It’s not yet known if a testing option would be available for teachers who don’t want to get the vaccine, according to the report.
New Jersey Education Association spokesman Steve Baker told NJ.com that teachers have been preparing for a possible vaccine mandate. Baker said the union would back the mandate if it has a testing option.
Murphy’s office declined to comment to NJ.com about the potential mandate.
Murphy has already said masks will be mandatory in New Jersey schools when students and teachers return in the fall, regardless of vaccination status.
Earlier this month, Murphy announced that workers at state-run and some private health care facilities and high-risk, congregate living centers must get the vaccine by Sept. 7 or undergo regular testing. The order impacts everything from state-run correctional facilities to private nursing homes.
In Connecticut on Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that all state employees, K-12 teachers and staff, as well as early childhood education staff will be required to be vaccinated starting Sept. 27.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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