As the Delta variants cases and hospitalizations are increasing across the nation, vaccines-or-test choice mandates are sweeping the US. Following the moves by the federal government to require all federal employee and public sector workers, Gov. Tim Walz announced that ‘state government employees returning to the office are required to prove they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 or comply with at least weekly testing’.

“Vaccination is the best way to keep employees and the people we serve safe and ensure the delta variant does not derail our economic recovery. The state is leading by example and working to get our public employees vaccinated to protect themselves, their co-workers and their communities.”

Gov. Tim Walz in a statement (source: Star Tribune)

This new requirement applies to roughly 50,000 people who work under the umbrella of state government and on Minnesota State campuses, effective September 8.

Many businesses and state government including New York, Washington and California have announced similar vaccines-or-get-tested requirements for their employees.

According to MPR News, the new rule applies only to those employees who report to offices or other state job sites. Currently that roster is reportedly limited because most workers are teleworking, but as the in-person work start gradually the list is expected to grow.

U of M to Require Covid Vaccination

The Star Tribune reports that University of Minnesota to require COVID vaccinations for students once shots receive FDA approval, which is reportedly expected in coming weeks.

This will allow us the best chance to have normal campus activity this fall and uninterrupted in-person, on-campus instruction. We understand that this is a challenging decision for our community, but our interests are first and foremost the health of our students, staff, and faculty.

U President Joan Gabel in a message to students and employees (source: Star Tribune)

Michael Osterholm, director of the U’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and an adviser to Gabel, reportedly said that the university will not allow students to be exempted from the vaccination requirement for personal reasons.

• Gov. Tim Walz to impose new vaccine requirement for state workers
• On-site MN state employees face vaccine-or-test choice
• COVID-19 in MN: State reaches 70% goal for 1st vaccinations 16 and up

State Meets 70% Vaccination Goal

As of August 10, about 70 percent of Minnesotans 16 and older have gotten at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, a mile stone originally set for July 1.

The data is clear: vaccines are our key to fighting COVID-19 and the delta variant, and millions of Minnesotans rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

Gov. Tim Walz in a statement (source: MPR News)

Due to the growing spread of the Delta variant, which has been hitting unvaccinated younger people harder demand for vaccination is reportedly increasing recently.