Many governors are taking renewed action to combat COVID-19 as the delta variant continues to spread across the United States, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates.
Some governors extended their public health emergencies due to the rising delta variant cases:
- Gov. Eric Holocomb (R) extended Indiana‘s public health emergency to Aug. 31; and
- Gov. Brian Kemp (R) renewed Georgia‘s public health emergency through Aug. 11.
Other governors have mandated vaccinations for state workers:
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is requiring all state workers and workers in health care and high-risk congregate settings to show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week;
- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) will require all state workers to get vaccinated or tested weekly; and
- North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) released an executive order requiring employees of cabinet agencies to show proof of vaccination or be required to wear face coverings and subject themselves to frequent COVID-19 testing.
However, nine states have enacted laws prohibiting vaccine mandates.
Visit the America’s Essential Hospitals coronavirus resource page for more information about the pandemic.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
