Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s (D) administration is forcing all educators and staff in the state to get vaccinated for the Chinese coronavirus, Brown announced on Thursday.
Claiming to follow the science, Brown touted the importance of ensuring that schools are open and offered two “keys” to ensure students are safe: Masks and vaccines.
Because of that, she ordered the Oregon Health Authority to issue a rule mandating teachers, staff, and volunteers to be vaccinated by October 18 “or six weeks from FDA approval, whichever is later.”
“There are those who will disagree with the actions I am taking today. But school is starting across the state. COVID-19 poses a threat to our kids, and our kids need to be protected,” she said, stating she is “willing to take the heat for it.”
“We stood together for nurses, doctors, and health care workers. We saved lives by following science and data,” she continued, failing to mention that many nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers in blue states now face an ultimatum: Either get vaccinated or lose their job.
“I’m asking you to do it again for our health care heroes, vulnerable community members, and Oregon’s kids,” she continued.
“Our best tools to keep our schools, businesses, and communities open are wearing masks and getting vaccinated,” Brown added:
I’ll start by addressing Oregon’s hospital crisis, caused by the Delta surge. With over 845 Oregonians hospitalized for COVID-19 and 226 in ICUs, our hospital and ICU beds are over 93% full. Some hospital regions are beginning the day with 2 ICU beds available, or none at all.
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) August 19, 2021
That’s why I’ve directed the Oregon Health Authority to issue a rule requiring all teachers, educators, support staff, and volunteers in K-12 schools to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19––again by October 18, or six weeks from FDA approval, whichever is later.
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) August 19, 2021
