News

Maine’s vaccine mandate for health care workers in effect, but not being enforced

Maine’s vaccine mandate for health care workers in effect, but not being enforced

Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The governor’s mandate for health care workers to be vaccinated went into effect on Friday, but it won’t be enforced right away.

The state has said it will not not start enforcing the rule until Oct. 29 to give more time to workers to get their shots and to help health providers fill potential staffing gaps.

MaineHealth, the state’s largest health care provider, said 93% of its 23,000 staff members were vaccinated and that 69 had quit.

Northern Light Health said nearly all of its doctors and nurses have gotten vaccinated against COVID-19, but that 89 staffers left because they would not get vaccinated.

Central Maine Healthcare said that 86% of their staff is vaccinated. They also said 40 staff members have already resigned and 30 more have submitted their resignations.

Latest Headlines

2 hours ago in Local

Silver Alert Issued for Hancock County Woman

Updated

Hancock County deputies say Alison Macleod suffers from cognitive issues.

9 hours ago in Local

Otisfield Man Charged After Woman Shot in Hand

Oxford County deputies say they were called to a report of a person who had been shot.

10 hours ago in Local

Owl Rescued on Lake West of Augusta

Officers say they found the barred owl along Annabessacook Lake Saturday morning.

1 day ago in Local

Police Looking for Missing Washington County Teen

The Washington County Sheriff's Office are looking for 16-year-old Lilyanna Rose Cook, who was last seen in Roque Bluffs, Maine.

2 days ago in Local

Struck-down Maine citizen’s referendum on super PAC donations heads to appeals court

Despite getting over 75% of the vote, a Portland judge deemed the referendum unconstitutional this past summer, citing the ruling made by the Supreme Court on the 2010 Citizen's United case.