Washington and Oregon Vaccine Mandates Enter Into Effect

(Olympia, WA) -- Monday is the deadline for many of Washington's workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees affected by the mandate were allowed to apply for religious or medical exemptions, and some unions were able to bargain for different accommodations regarding the deadline. Still, there is concern over the potential loss of first responders, school employees, transportation workers, health care workers, and long-term care facility workers.

Governor Jay Inslee says the high vaccination rate means Washington won't face any massive disruptions in service. Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued a similar mandate that also takes effect Monday.