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.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
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.
RELATED STORIES:
- Georgia reports over 10,000 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend
- Georgia hospitals nearing capacity as COVID-19 cases rise. Here’s how to check yours
- Nearly 1,500 cases of COVID-19 reported at metro Atlanta schools after first week
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.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
This browser does not support the video element.