Philly Issues COVID Vaccine Mandate For Health Care, Colleges

PHILADELPHIA — Health officials Friday announced new coronavirus vaccine mandates for health care workers and institutions of higher learning beginning in October.

Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, Acting Health Commissioner of Philadelphia Department of Public Health, said all health care workers in the city must be vaccinated by Oct. 15. Additionally, all college and university students, faculty, and staff must be vaccinated by Oct. 15.

"These new mandates add a new layer of protection for Philadelphia residents," she said. "By taking these measures now, we hope to be prepared in the weeks and months to come."

Religious and medical exemptions are allowed for both mandates, however.

For health care workers, those who are exempt must get either PCR or antigen tests twice a week.

In the college and university settings, the institutions have several options for exemptions.

Those who are exempt can get a PCr test once a week or an antigen test twice a week; offer double masking and 6 feet of distance in indoor spaces; and offer virtual learning options when possible.

Bettigole said announcing these new mandates now will allow more people to be vaccinated and these institutions to prepare for the mandates.

This new development comes on the heels of the city issuing a mask mandate, which requires masks be worn when going into any business or institution.

Restaurants and bars will be required to have all staff and customers wearing masks, except when customers are seating and eating or drinking. These mandates change in places that require proof of vaccination.

However, Bettigole Friday said the health board approved a change to the mask mandate, which requires masks in essential businesses such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and others regardless of vaccination status.

Unseated outdoor gatherings of more than 1,000 people will also be included in the mask mandate.