As Cases Rise, Wayne Makes Vaccinations Mandatory For Employees

WAYNE, NJ — Mayor Christopher Vergano recorded the 100th COVID-19 update video on Aug. 6, and much has changed in the time since video update one was released.

Vergano wasn't in his usual place at town hall, instead he was at home recovering from cancer treatments which have stripped the mayor of his traditional comb over.

"It's a pleasure to be able to come before you once again, hope to be back soon after recuperating," he said.

Though Vergano has reported good news recently regarding his health, he wasn't reporting welcome news as it pertains to the coronavirus in the township.

Cases have been sharply trending upward since June, when the township only recorded 13 positive tests, and even went a whole week without one positive case.

Through the month of July, however, the township recorded 138 positives, more than 10 times the amount reported in June, and at an average of over four per day.

"It's quite a big rise, and we certainly don't want to see those numbers continuing," Vergano said.

But those numbers are continuing, according to Vergano, who said that in the first week of August, the per-day positive case totals were higher than the same period in July.

But the township is still trending upward when it comes to vaccinations, with 73 percent of the population having received their first dose, the mayor said.

Over 14,000 doses have been given out at township-hosted clinics alone, he added.

"We're very proud of that, but we still have a long way to go," he said.

As part of that quest to full vaccination, the township recently sent a letter to employees informing them that vaccinations are now mandatory, according to TapInto, who first reported the story.

An excerpt from the letter reads: “Township employees who have not provided proof of vaccination and have not submitted a request for an accommodation by September 17, 2021 will be deemed non-compliant with this policy. Due to the extreme danger of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, non-compliant employees will be prohibited from working within any Township buildings, facilities or in the public.”

Watch Vergano's full update below:

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