Mandatory vaccines for all St. Paul city workers is coming.
Mayor Melvin Carter made the announcement yesterday on Youtube, saying the decision was made because of rising cases of the Delta varient.
"This requirement will apply to all of us on team St. Paul," Carter said, adding that all vaccinations must be completed by Dec. 31.
Unlike other vaccine mandates, the one outlined by Mayor Carter does not allow workers to choose regular testing over getting a shot.
"Since testing only provides a way to determine if someone has COVID after they've already contracted it, it offers no protection for an unvaccinated individual," he said. "Nor, any individuals they interact with."
Reaction from city workers is mixed.
Some say it's the best way to keep everyone safe, while others say some employees may quit their jobs rather than comply.