Gov. John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health and the Delaware Department of Education announced on Tuesday that educators, school staff, contractors, and volunteers who work in K-12 public and private schools must be vaccinated for Covid-19 or undergo weekly testing.
The requirement, which will be formally issued by emergency regulation, takes effect Nov. 1.
“There’s no better way to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and keep all Delaware children in their classrooms, than to get vaccinated,” said Carney. “Our top priority has been to get all Delaware students back in school this fall. This new requirement will help keep them there and prevent regular disruptions to their learning. These vaccines are safe and extremely protective against Covid-19 infection and serious illness. I encourage all Delawareans to get your shot and help us finally put an end to this pandemic.”
Carney has stopped short of vaccination-only mandates by offering a weekly testing option for state employees.
A vaccine mandate at the state’s largest health system, ChristianaCare, led to a 98% of caregivers being vaccinated or getting exemptions for various reasons.
About 150 people, many part-timers were fired. That number included a dozen nurses, out of a total of 4,000. Prior to the mandate, the vaccination figure had been about 71%.
