News

Judge declines to halt health care worker vaccine mandate

Judge declines to halt health care worker vaccine mandate

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A federal judge declined Wednesday to intervene to stop Democratic Gov. Janet Mills’ requirement that health care workers be vaccinated against COVID-19 by month’s end.

U.S. District Court Judge Jon Levy said none of the nine plaintiffs met the legal threshold for an injunction to halt the requirement to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 29 or lose their jobs.

In his ruling, Levy said the record indicates regular testing alone is not sufficient to stop the spread of the delta variant.

“The speed of the delta variant’s transmission outpaces test-result availability,” he wrote. Daily testing, he wrote, would require use of rapid tests that are both less accurate and in short supply.

The judge concluded the plaintiffs were unable to show that an injunction was in the public interest, or that they had a strong likelihood of prevailing if the lawsuit moves forward.

The Liberty Counsel, which filed the lawsuit in August, vowed to appeal. It claimed to be representing more than 2,000 health care workers who don’t want to be forced to be vaccinated.

The vaccine mandate’s effect already is being felt with dozens of health care workers opting to quit.

Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston already curtailed some admissions because of an “acute shortage” of nurses.

Latest Headlines

6 hours ago in Local

Ripley Fire Being Investigated as Arson and Vehicle Theft

The Fire Marshall says the case is being investigated as a vehicle theft connected to arson.

7 hours ago in Local

Man Rescued While Sinking in Coastal Mud in Brunswick

Police say Matthew Alexander got stuck in the mud and couldn’t get back to shore.

8 hours ago in Local

Arrest related to South Portland shooting prompts lockdown at Gorham schools

Gorham schools were placed in "secure status" on Thursday while police made an arrest nearby as part of a shooting investigation.

8 hours ago in Local

Acadia National Park to remain mostly operational amid government shutdown

The popular Cadillac Summit Road at Acadia National Park will be closed to motor vehicles as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

16 hours ago in Local

Westbrook Police Seek Help To Locate Missing Woman

She is known to frequent the Westbrook and Portland area.