Although President Joe Biden has implemented a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for millions of federal employees, Gov. Charlie Baker has so far been reluctant to do the same for state public workers. He called vaccine mandates a “hard sell” in late June on Boston Public Radio.
Two local leaders joined Jim Braude on Greater Boston to discuss the thought process behind making such rules: State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, who has required everyone in her department to either get vaccinated or undergo weekly testing, and Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone.
Goldberg said that the requirement keeps her employees safer — and more comfortable.
“We work for the people of Massachusetts, we have to get our jobs done,” she said. “It’s not optional, it’s a commitment.”
Curtatone has yet to decide whether to implement the same requirement for city and school staff.
“We are going to back it up with information, diligence and consultation with experts and the public,” he said. “This is really about protecting our most vulnerable, and we can either control COVID, Jim, or it can continue to control us.”
WATCH: Local leaders on the path forward with vaccine and testing mandates
