Rhode Island Treasurer Calls For Vaccine Requirements In Schools

PROVIDENCE, RI — One of Rhode Island's top officials is calling for all school staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Treasurer Seth Magaziner urged Gov. Dan McKee to institute an employee vaccine requirement in schools.

"With children across Rhode Island returning to school this week, we must take immediate action to protect them from COVID-19," Magaziner said in a statement. "Rhode Island should join other states such as California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington in instituting a vaccination requirement for all teachers and school support staff."

At this time, only health care workers are required to get COVID-19 vaccines in Rhode Island, though several private businesses have also issued vaccine requirements for employees. Specifically related to schools, Gov, Dan McKee previously said he didn't think a requirement was needed, since uptake was very high among teachers and other school staff.

"While it has been reported that approximately 90 percent of teachers and school statewide have been vaccinated, this means approximately 2,000 unvaccinated adults will still be going to work in Rhode Island schools with students — many of whom are not old enough to get vaccinated themselves," Magaziner continued. "This is dangerous and unacceptable."

Magaziner went on to call vaccines "our best option to keep students safe and ensure that in-person learning can resume uninterrupted."

When asked to comment on Magaziner's statement, McKee said Tuesday that schools will reopen safely, reiterating that over 90 percent of teachers and school staff have gotten vaccinated.

Related: Gov. McKee Issues Mask Mandate For All RI Public Schools