Health care workers protest outside Northern Westchester Hospital over vaccine mandates

Health care workers protest outside Northern Westchester Hospital over vaccine mandates
Hudson Valley health care workers are protesting New York’s new vaccine mandate.
Northern Westchester Hospital has the highest vaccination rate in the Northwell system. A total of 92% of the staff are vaccinated— but other hospitals in the state aren’t doing so well, which prompted the mandate.
Health care workers say the mandate puts patient care at risk by burdening hospitals which are already short staffed.
Sue Chiarulli is a registered nurse of 36 years who now fears she will lose her job for refusing the vaccine. As a cancer survivor, she worries there is not enough data.
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the state from enacting that order for staff claiming a religious exemption.
A representative for Northwell Health says they are providing staff with the benefits of getting vaccine, but come Sept. 27, they will follow the Department of Health’s guidance.
New York has until Sept. 22 to respond to the lawsuit. The oral hearings on this case are expected to begin Sept. 28, a day after the state mandate goes into effect.