Mecklenburg County requires all public health workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (WBTV) – Mecklenburg County is demanding that all public health workers be vaccinated against COVID-19 as concerns rise over the delta variant and the increase in coronavirus cases.

All public health workers in Mecklenburg County will need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from August 2, 2021 and will be required to show proof of vaccination by September 7, 2021.

The move comes after Atrium Health and Novant Health announced that their employees would be required to be vaccinated last week.

“As public health personnel, we have led the COVID-19 response efforts for the county and know all too well the very high level of disease, death and impact that the pandemic has had in our community,” Public Health Director Gibbie Harris said. “Despite significant prevention efforts, COVID-19 continues to spread in our community, including new, highly contagious variants. “

Public health workers will be required to take the vaccine in the same way as the flu shot, officials said.

“In keeping with our community’s health systems, it is important that public health professionals set an example for the community by following scientific recommendations to help protect clients from a further impact of the virus,” a statement read from hurry. “The new requirement will help keep employees, customers and the workplace safe and protect the health of the entire community. “

More information on the COVID-19 vaccine is available at www.MeckNC.gov/COVID-19 or by calling the COVID-19 Public Health hotline at 980-314-9400.

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