NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Outgoing Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday called for a vaccine mandate for state employees following the FDA’s full approval of Pfizer’s shot.
“This morning's announcement that the federal Food and Drug Administration has fully approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccination eliminates any doubt in the science and efficacy of COVID vaccines,” Cuomo said in a statement. “In the wake of this decision, every single employer in New York State should require all eligible employees to get vaccinated, just like New York State already requires of all eligible government and healthcare employees.”
Cuomo’s statement comes just hours before he is scheduled step down at midnight, resigning in disgrace following a damning attorney general report on sexual harassment allegations against him.
“It's past time for pleading and cajoling - the vaccines are safe, effective, free, and readily available,” Cuomo went on. “The only way we'll beat COVID once and for all is by getting every single eligible New Yorker vaccinated. No more excuses - let's get it done, New York."
Cuomo on Monday issued a pre-recorded farewell statement, in which he continued to discredit the findings of the report from Attorney General Letitia James.
The decision whether to implement such a mandate will fall to Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who will be sworn in at a private ceremony at 12:01 a.m., according to her office. Hochul, a centrist Democrat, has urged New Yorkers to get vaccinated and said earlier this month that she’d been exploring mandates.
“I’m open to all options,” she said during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Aug. 15. “I will be looking at possibility of mandates, but not saying they’re in or out until I know all the facts.”
Hochul on Monday celebrated Pfizer’s full approval.
“Great News—anyone who was waiting on FDA approval - it’s done!” she tweeted. “To anyone who needed that final push—check out link to locations of Pfizer vaccine near you. Let’s vax up NY!”