Only Channel 2 Action News is learning about a new vaccine mandate for all Fulton County employees.
Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Sophia Choi spoke to county chairman Robb Pitts. He said the county is in a dire situation, with COVID-19 cases on the rise and not enough people protected against the virus.
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Pitts said the county has tried everything to get more employees vaccinated, including incentives. But nothing is working. So now, he’s going to mandate it.
“A negative test every 48 hours, or proof of vaccination. One of the two. Otherwise, you risk the possibility, the strong possibility of losing your job,” Pitts said.
He said that goes for people—working from home, too.
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Pitts said that after weeks of trying to bribe employees to get vaccinated with incentives, like $150 in cash and a chance to win $10,000 in a lottery, the numbers rose only by 1 percent.
Clearly, there was not enough of an impact.
Fulton County is currently in “very high” risk level and is currently about 52 percent with more than one doses.
Pitts says he will take the mandate to the commission for full approval next week.
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