NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced that all New York MTA and Port Authority employees would be required to show proof of vaccination or subject themselves to weekly testing requirements.
"We put this in place, it's controversial … but it's necessary," Cuomo said.
According to Cuomo, the mandate for those employees as well as other New York state employees will go into effect after Labor Day.
The union representing subway and bus workers, Transport Workers Union Local 100, issued a statement of support for the policy.
"We strongly believe everyone should get vaccinated. It's the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones," said TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano.
"We will continue to urge members to get the shot and will work with the MTA to ensure testing options are widely available at work sites," he added.
As the state continues to see a spike in COVID cases, Cuomo urged that schools and private businesses implement a vaccine or weekly testing policy for all employees in areas seeing increases in cases.
The state Health Department reported 2,516 new COVID cases, a one-day positivity rate of 2.68 percent and seven-day average of 2.40 percent on Sunday.
