Last Updated: Aug 11, 2021
On August 10, 2021, Gov. Wolf announced that commonwealth employees in state health care facilities and high-risk congregate care facilities will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 7, 2021. Individuals who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. Additionally, beginning Sept. 7, 2021, all new external hires in these facilities must be vaccinated before commencing employment.
This initiative will affect
approximately 25,000 employees working in 24-hour-operated state facilities
including state hospitals, state homes for people with intellectual
disabilities, veterans homes, community health centers, and state
correction institutions.
In addition to the "vaccine
or test" requirement, Gov. Wolf announced a vaccine incentive for
state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction. Starting October 1, 2021, all vaccinated state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction are
eligible for an additional 7.5 or 8 hours paid time off. The Office of
Administration will work with employees and agencies to develop a mechanism for
employees to confirm proof of vaccination.
Currently, more than 63% of
Pennsylvanians 18 and older are fully vaccinated, with the state ranking
fifth among all 50 states for total doses administered.