Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I-Schoharie) is breathing a sigh of relief on behalf of his constituents after a temporary restraining order was granted today for all healthcare workers regarding the state’s vaccination mandate planned to take effect on Sept. 27. The former mandate did not allow for religious exemptions.

Following the issuance of the order, the state is no longer allowed to implement the planned vaccination mandate, though it will be provided the opportunity to respond to the lawsuit by Sept. 22.

“The defeat of this unconstitutional mandate is a win for all New Yorkers, who can breathe a little easier knowing that, if this order sticks, we will not have to fear losing nearly a quarter of our healthcare workers overnight,” said Tague. “I only hope that the state does not succeed in reversing this order, because firing a large portion of our healthcare workers during a public crisis would be nothing less than shooting ourselves in the foot.”