Cuomo: Vaccine or test requirement should be considered for teachers, healthcare workers

NEW YORK, NY — With COVID-19 numbers starting to increase, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says masking policies may not go far enough to stop the spread of the virus.

Of particular concern, the governor said during a news conference Monday, is the highly-contagious delta variant.

"We have a situation, as they say," Gov. Cuomo said, "and it’s a serious situation."

With a majority of new cases stemming from the delta variant, the governor says the vaccine plays a crucial role.

More than 75 percent of adults in New York have received one shot of the vaccine. While the vaccine has shown to reduce the likelihood of catching the variant and significantly reduces the odds of hospitalization, vaccinated individuals can still spread the variant to others.

Gov. Cuomo announced Monday the Port Authority and the MTA will begin a vaccine-or-test mandate for employees effective Labor Day. This comes after New York ordered state employees be required to get the vaccine.

MORE: Governor mandates vaccination for state workers, certain healthcare workers

The governor is calling on local governments to require vaccination or testing for public-facing employees. and for private hospitals across the state to adopt such a policy. If COVID numbers don't come down, Cuomo said he thinks schools should be making a similar demand for teachers in districts located in areas with high or substantial risk for transmission.

"That’s the first step: vaccine or weekly test," he said. "I believe school districts should say today, 'Teachers, vaccine or test if you are in a CDC high-risk area.' I think they should say that today."

If numbers do not decrease, he added, he said mandatory vaccines should be considered for nursing home employees and for public-facing workers in high-risk situations.

Meanwhile, the governor is encouraging private businesses to operate under a vaccine-only admission system.

"I believe it's in your business interest to run a vaccine-only establishment," said Cuomo.

The CDC’s COVID Data Tracker lists several upstate counties as substantial transmission areas. This includes several counties in the Capital Region, Onondaga County in Central New York, Monroe County in the Finger Lakes Region and Erie County in Western New York.

In areas of substantial or high risk of transmission, the CDC has recommended vaccinated individuals wear masks in public, indoor settings. Unvaccinated individuals are recommended to mask up in all areas.

Gov. Cuomo called on local governments to follow CDC masking guidance during Monday's briefing.

Monday, New York State United Teachers released the following statement in response to the governor's request.

“We have advocated since the beginning of the year that any educator who wants a vaccine should have easy access to one. We would support local efforts to encourage more vaccinations, such as through programs that require that those who are not vaccinated get tested on a regular basis. But it’s critical that districts come up with plans to make testing available on-site and at no cost. What we have not supported is a vaccine mandate.”