Warren Senior Center Mandates COVID Vaccine For All Employees

WARREN, NJ — All employees at Brightview Warren Senior Living Center will soon be vaccinated, said officials at the community.

"Brightview has confirmed that all associates will have at least the first of two COVID-19 vaccine shots by Oct. 1, and will be fully vaccinated by the end of October. Currently, more than 80 percent of our associates are fully vaccinated," said Regional Director of Operations in New Jersey Samantha Lawrence.

This falls in line with Gov. Phil Murphy's announcement on Monday that starting Sept. 7, workers in New Jersey healthcare settings and other high-risk settings will be subject to COVID testing once or twice per week if they're not fully vaccinated against the virus. Read more: COVID-19 Vaccines, Testing Now Mandatory For NJ Health Care Staff

However, this isn't anything new at Brightview located at 57 Mt. Bethel Road in Warren.

Lawrence noted that Brightview has required vaccinations for new associates joining Brightview since February and has taken an educational approach with current associates since their first in-community vaccine clinics began in January 2021.

"While we are proud our overall vaccination rates are higher than industry norms, we are responsible for protecting our associates and residents in the best way we know how. Therefore, we made the decision to make the vaccine mandatory," said Lawrence.

Around the state, healthcare facilities that still have unvaccinated workers by Sept. 7 will need a plan in place to test those employees. The rules also apply to other high-risk settings, such as long-term care and assisted living facilities, rehab centers, county jails and state prisons.

The state "strongly encouraged" private facilities to implement stricter protocols than New Jersey's requirements.

"Vaccination is the best tool we have to end this pandemic," said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. "None of us would want our vulnerable loved ones put at further risk due to their caregiver or healthcare provider. Ensuring these individuals are fully vaccinated or have been tested will help protect those who live in these congregate settings or need hospital care."

The discussion around vaccine mandates for healthcare employees has caused nationwide controversy, and New Jersey hasn't been immune. RWJBarnabas Health confirmed that it fired six employees who refused to get a coronavirus vaccine.

RWJBarnabas was the first New Jersey hospital network to mandate the vaccine. Hackensack Meridian Health and Trinitas Medical Center in Elizabeth.

— With reporting from Carly Baldwin and Josh Bakan

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