Vaccine Mandates Could Soon Be in Place for Louisiana State Workers

Louisiana state leaders are now talking about a possible Covid-19 vaccine mandate for all state workers now that the Pfizer vaccine has gotten formal approval from the FDA.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne tells WBRZ thousands of state workers could be among the next to see new requirements. He says "It's been a topic we've obviously been discussing for some time."

No final decision has been made on a vaccine mandate, but most observers close to the Governor say he will likely implement Covid testing on a regular basis for those who are not vaccinated.

Dardenne adds: "If you're not vaccinated, there's gonna be a mandatory testing program set up for you."

A spokesperson for the Governor tells the Illuminator says these requirements will likely go into effect very soon.

Christina Stephens says “We strongly encourage our employees to get their vaccines before these new requirements go into place so that they can protect themselves, their coworkers and the people they serve."

Louisiana has close to 30,000 state workers.

Vaccine mandates for state workers in other states:

California

All state workers – plus workers in health care and high-risk congregate settings – must “either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week.

Colorado

Unvaccinated state workers must begin serial testing and continue mask-wearing indoors in public spaces.

Connecticut

All state employees, as well as staff of all childcare facilities and preK-12 schools statewide, must receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 9/27. Those who do not get vaccinated due to certain exemptions will be required to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.

Delaware

State employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination or undergo regular testing for COVID-19.

Hawaii

All State and county employees must provide their vaccination status to their department, office or agency. If they cannot provide proof of vaccination, they will be subject to regular COVID-19 testing.

Minnesota

State agency employees will be required to show proof of vaccination or participate in regular testing before returning to the workplace by September 8. Employees who are not vaccinated will be required to receive a negative COVID-19 test at least once a week in order to work on-site at all public workplaces around the state.

Nevada

State government “employees who are not fully vaccinated will be required to take weekly COVID-19 tests and proof of testing and results must be submitted to their human resources officer or department supervisor.” The testing protocol will be retired for any state government workplace that reaches a 70% vaccination rate.

New Mexico

All state employees [must] either be fully vaccinated or otherwise submit to regular COVID-19 testing. Under the order, state employees who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 shall be required to demonstrate a negative COVID-19 test at least once every two weeks.

New York

All New York State employees . . . will be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 by Labor Day. State employees who do not get vaccinated will be required to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.

North Carolina

State government employees (cabinet agency) who are not vaccinated will be required to wear masks and undergo weekly testing as of September 1.