“In light of the recent rise in infections and hospitalizations—and, in particular, of the more contagious Delta variant—I believe that now is the time to scale up our COVID-19 precautions. Sixteen months into the pandemic with widespread availability of vaccines, only 2,171,413 Angelinos aged 16+, representing 66.3% of the City’s population, have received vaccinations. In the County of Los Angeles, 46% of African Americans and 55% of Latinos have been vaccinated. This not only impedes Los Angeles’ economic recovery but continues to put countless individuals at risk.
“The City of Los Angeles must lead by example. During Wednesday’s Council meeting, I plan to introduce a motion that would direct staff to develop a policy to require all City employees be fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus; and report their COVID-19 vaccination status to the appropriate City department.
“Plain and simple – vaccinations are the only way out of this pandemic. They are the most effective way to prevent transmission and limit COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. If we want our economy to fully recover, if we want our children to be able to go to school without masks on, and if we want the most vulnerable members of our community to not end up in the hospital, we must all do our part and this motion is a step in the right direction. It’s time to get it done.”
