Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I-Schoharie) is slamming Gov. Hochul’s decision to move forward with a vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, which will force many who are unvaccinated to resign from their positions. Many of these healthcare workers have served in their positions since the pandemic began over a year ago, and do not have the option to elect to be regularly tested for COVID-19 if they do not wish to be vaccinated.

“What the governor is doing to these healthcare workers, many of whom have been on the front lines of the pandemic for well over a year, is nothing short of despicable,” said Tague. “I’m vaccinated myself and would encourage anyone who wishes to be vaccinated to get their shots, but I also believe in personal choice, and to refuse to allow these dedicated health professionals to participate in frequent testing in lieu of getting vaccinated is ridiculous. It is a gross waste of talented and experienced human resources that will affect our ability to provide patients who need it the best quality of care possible. This mandate is worse than bad policy, it’s disrespectful to healthcare workers, and it could be deadly for COVID patients relying on the support of an already-strained healthcare system.”