Los Angeles Mandates COVID-19 Vaccination or Weekly Testing for City Employees

Strategic Insights -

The City of Los Angeles is pushing for mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for its employees, beginning with a requirement that workers either submit proof of vaccination or a weekly negative test. This move comes as the highly contagious Delta variant continues to drive an alarming surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among the unvaccinated in Los Angeles County and across the country. Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Council President Nury Martinez announced the new policy, stating that the City has a responsibility to maintain the health of municipal workers and members of the public who interact with them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Los Angeles will require city employees to show proof of vaccination or submit to weekly negative COVID-19 testing.
  • The new policy is part of a broader push to mandate vaccines for all employees once the federal Food and Drug Administration gives full approval.
  • Mayor Eric Garcetti emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that "the choice for Angelenos couldn't be clearer -- get vaccinated or get COVID-19."
  • City Council President Nury Martinez emphasized the need for leaders to set an example, saying "In order for us, as leaders, to ask Angelenos to get vaccinated, we must set an example as the largest employer in the City of Los Angeles."
  • Councilmember Paul Koretz, Chair of the City Council's Personnel Committee, stated that becoming fully vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19, especially given the latest surge of infections due to the Delta variant.
  • The new policy will require department heads to verify and keep track of employees' vaccination status and submit reports to the Personnel Department.
  • Employees must show proof of full vaccination to their department's HR representative, or produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test on a weekly basis.

Statistics:

  • The rate of COVID-19 cases has increased over 20-fold in the last month.
  • There are more than 800 vaccination sites across L.A. County, including drive-thru, walk-up, and pop-up sites at community events.
  • Many vaccination sites are open until 8 p.m. to make it convenient for everyone to get the vaccine.
  • The City of Los Angeles has a responsibility to maintain the health of municipal workers and members of the public who interact with them.

Sources:

  • Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles, CA: statement by Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Council President Nury Martinez.
  • City of Los Angeles, Personnel Department: details on the new policy and vaccination requirements.
  • Councilmember Paul Koretz, Chair of the City Council's Personnel Committee: statement on the importance of vaccination.
  • LA County Public Health Department: information on COVID-19 cases and vaccination sites.