The city will also end the vaccination requirements for nonpublic school, early child care, and daycare staff.
"It's clear these mandates saved lives and were absolutely necessary to meet the moment. We're grateful that we can now, as we leave the emergency phase of the pandemic, modify more of the rules that have gotten us to this point," said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. "We cannot overstate our appreciation for the millions of New Yorkers who made the necessary sacrifices to keep our city safe and save lives.
As part of this change, beginning February 10, visitors to DOE school buildings will no longer be required to provide proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The city said this will allow students' families and loved ones to attend school activities, celebrations, and events. While the approximately 1,780 former employees terminated for failing to submit proof of vaccination will not be able to automatically return to their previous positions, city officials say they will be able to apply for positions with their former agencies through existing city rules and regulations and hiring processes."We are glad that the City has decided to stop fighting against our court victory overturning this unjust and illogical mandate. However, the job is only half done.