So “Mandate” doesn’t really mean every one?
Kind of seems arbitrary and capricious.
How about equal treatment under the tyranny?
sage --------
From: GM Poftak <
[email protected]>
Date: 12/2/22 11:47 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: # All MBTA Employees <
[email protected]>
Subject: Revised COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
*** SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS ***
PLEASE POST THIS EMAIL AND ATTACHMENT ON ALL DEPARTMENT BULLETIN BOARDS
TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES WITHOUT EMAIL HAVE ACCESS TO THIS NOTICE.
Colleagues,
On August 19, 2021, Governor Baker issued Executive Order No. 595 implementing a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all employees within the Commonwealth’s executive branch agencies. For the reasons outlined in the Executive Order, the MBTA determined that achieving full vaccination of its workforce was the most effective way to ensure its continued long-term ability to provide the full measure of transportation services to the general public. As a result, the MBTA issued a COVID-19 Vaccine Policy – Policy No. 7.23 requiring full vaccination of its workforce.
Since the issuance of the initial COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, over 90% of the MBTA’s workforce has been vaccinated and additional vaccines, targeted boosters, and other treatments, such as antivirals, have become available. These have contributed to making COVID-19 a more manageable illness for the vast majority of individuals who contract it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently concluded that “high levels of immunity and availability of effective COVID-19 prevention and management tools have reduced the risk for medically significant illness and death.” In addition, we now know that being vaccinated does not prevent an individual from contracting or transmitting COVID-19. In fact, as of November 9, 2022, the CDC guidelines regarding quarantine and isolation are the same for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Given this information and guidance, as of today,
December 2, 2022, I am rescinding the MBTA’s COVID-19 Vaccine Policy – Policy No. 7.23. The MBTA continues to urge employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted, as recommended by the CDC, to help ensure employee well-being and our continued long-term ability to provide the full measure of transportation services to the general public. In addition, the MBTA has revised its Face Covering and Workplace Protocols Policy – Policy No. 2.4 to align with the rescission of the COVID-19 Vaccine Policy.
Steve Poftak
General Manager
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
