CALPIRG backs state mandate of vaccines or weekly testing for school employees

As the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus sweeps across the country, California and other states have debated how to protect public health as a new school year begins.

On August 11, California announced that all school employees must receive COVID-19 vaccinations or agree to weekly COVID-19 testing to determine that they are not infected with the virus. California is the first state to put such a policy into effect. This requirement will apply to all teachers and staff working with students in kindergarten through 12th grade and went into effect Thursday, August 12.

“It’s no wonder that many parents are nervous to send their children back to in-person schooling. The pandemic is far from over, and the spread of the Delta variant has increased infection and hospitalization rates across California,” said Jenn Engstrom, CALPIRG’s state director.

“Vaccinations are our best defense against the pandemic. California is making the right move to ensure the safety of our teachers and children as the school begins this fall.”

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Source: Jill Cowan, “California orders all teachers to be vaccinated or face regular testing,” The New York Times, August 11, 2021.