New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed an executive order to combat possible understaffing in hospitals as her vaccine mandate for healthcare workers took effect on Monday.
Hochul's order declared a statewide emergency and authorized state agencies to assist with filing roles left behind by people who do not get vaccinated. Specifically, the order allows any licensed, out-of-state healthcare professionals from elsewhere in the U.S. to work in New York.
"The only way we can move past this pandemic is to ensure that everyone eligible is vaccinated, and that includes those who are taking care of our vulnerable family members and loved ones," Hochul said in a statement on her website.
Last month, New York became the first state in the nation to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for healthcare workers with a Sept. 27 deadline. According to the governor's website, 92 percent of nursing home staff was compliant with the mandate as of Monday evening, up from 70 percent of workers who were vaccinated on Aug. 15 prior to the mandate.
Hospital staff vaccination rates also increased from 77 percent before the mandate to 84 percent as of Sept. 22 when data was last reported, the governor's office said.
Hochul added that a 24/7 Operations Center would be led by the New York State Department of Health in order to address staffing shortages or other issues that may arise.
Last week, Hochul said that she would consider deploying medically-trained National Guard members to fill understaffed medical facilities if necessary.
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