Vaccination mandate for NJ state employees takes effect today

Governor Phil Murphy’s mandate to vaccinate government officials takes effect today. It is also the same day that all New Jersey employees are required to report to their workplace in person.
Murphy announced broad vaccination warrants for New Jersey government employees in September, but allowed a test exemption. If employees have not verified their immunization status to date, they will need to undergo COVID testing up to twice a week.
“Due to the prevalence and rampant spread of the Delta variant, the state is taking aggressive steps to protect the state’s workforce while continuing to provide vital government services,” said Alexandra Altman from the governor’s office in New Jersey 101.5.
Workers in all state agencies, authorities, colleges and universities are covered by the Governor’s Decree.
Workers can prove complete vaccination by showing:
- The CDC COVID-19 vaccination card issued at the vaccination site, or an electronic or physical copy
- The official New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJISS) record or other immunization registry
- A health care provider portal or medical records system record on official letterhead signed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, medical assistant, registered nurse, or pharmacist
- A United States Armed Forces vaccination or military health record
- Mobile phone application record or any state specific application that produces a digital health record.
All state employees are also required to wear face masks indoors in state executive offices.
It is still not clear whether the return of state workers will include the one-stop-shop career centers of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Job seekers who have had issues with state certification have not been able to make it to an office to meet with an agent since March 2020, adding to the frustration of not being able to get answers.
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