Gov. Murphy announced a get-vaccinated or get-tested policy for healthcare workers to increase protection against the spread of COVID-19. The policy requires all workers in certain state and private healthcare facilities and high-risk congregate settings to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subject to COVID-19 testing at minimum one to two times per week, effective Sept. 7. 

“We are taking this step today because it has been proven time and time again that vaccines save lives and are our way out of this pandemic,” said the Governor. “Individuals in healthcare facilities should have confidence in their caretakers, and this measure will help ensure peace of mind for those in higher-risk settings.” 

The requirement applies to long-term care and assisted-living facilities, acute care and specialty hospitals, short-term and post-acute inpatient rehabilitation, licensed behavioral health facilities and home health, as well as state-run hospitals. The requirement also extends to correctional facilities.

Any employees who have not reached full compliance on vaccination by Sept. 7 will enter into a testing program. All covered entities will be required to have a plan in place to begin a testing program for those workers. 

Responding to reporter questions on the new policy, Murphy said labor unions representing healthcare workers had previously protested mandatory vaccination, but their opposition did not address policies with a testing option. He also acknowledged that the new policy could exacerbate worker shortages in many facilities, noting “we have no other choice.”