CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- There's now a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all Chicago Park District employees.
Chicago Park District Interim General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño announced Tuesday that all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 15, unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption.
The Park District joins other government agencies and municipalities, including the City of Chicago, to implement an employee vaccine mandate to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
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“Implementing a vaccine mandate for park employees is an important step in keeping our workforce, parks and patrons safe,” said Interim Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño, in a statement. “We must do our part to help ensure families that our parks are safe destinations for their children and contribute to the overall well-being of their communities.”
Being fully vaccinated while continuing safety practices such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and social distancing - has proven to be the most effective measure in preventing the spread of COVID-19. A vaccinated workforce will help make sure park facilities are as safe as possible for employees to work and for park patrons to enjoy.
The Park District’s policy requires that all employees who provide proof that they are fully vaccinated by Dec. 15 shall receive one additional personal day that must be used by June 30, 2022. Staff who receive an exemption or are not fully vaccinated by Dec. 15 will need to undergo regular COVID-19 testing.
“Fully vaccinated” means two weeks past the second dose of a two-dose mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna) or two weeks past a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Employees will be asked to submit their proof of vaccination via a secure and online COVID-19 Vaccine Portal.