The city of Salem is not considering a Covid vaccination mandate for its employees.
Courtney Knox-Busch, city spokesperson, said the city is encouraging employees to get vaccinated and offering vaccine clinics but not requiring the Covid vaccine.
“We must also do our part to slow the spread of the Delta variant in our community. However, at this time, the city is not requiring vaccinations of employees who are not subject to that mandate,” she said in an email.
Firefighters are considered health care workers and are mandated by Gov. Kate Brown to get vaccinated by Oct. 18.
Greg Walsh, Salem’s emergency manager, said the Salem Fire Department isn’t concerned about losing employees because of the mandate.
He said the union representing Salem firefighters is on board with the mandate.
He said the biggest concern is having firefighters out of work because of exposure to Covid. He said if one firefighter gets sick with Covid, an entire crew could be out.
On Tuesday, the city of Portland announced its employees would have to be vaccinated against Covid by Oct. 18 or lose their jobs.
-Saphara Harrell
