HPAE Statement on Gov. Murphy mandating healthcare workers vaccination

Please attribute the following statement to HPAE President Debbie White, RN:

Healthcare workers—including HPAE members—have been on the front lines caring for the sickest patients throughout this coronavirus pandemic. Many were exposed to COVID-19 needlessly in the workplace and became sick. Worse yet, some died. So, no one understands better than our members the devastation of COVID.

HPAE supports the Governor’s decision to create a pathway to increase vaccination rates while enforcing routine testing of those who are not able to be vaccinated. This will ensure we are providing the best protection to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As a union, we will continue to discuss the effects of the rollout with employers because we know there are some for whom the vaccine is prohibitive.

We also know there are other mitigation strategies available to help us stem the transmission of coronavirus variants, including the Delta variant. We are appealing to the public, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, to mask again, especially while indoors, socially distance, and remember handwashing. It will be helpful to limit attendance in large crowds. Let’s go back to the things that worked for us in the past year.

Fore more information, contact: Michael Allen, (646) 436-7556