By Pepper Fisher
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee said Wednesday all public, charter and private school teachers and staff must be fully vaccinated by October 18 or risk losing their jobs.
“This decision is fundamentally based on science. It’s not based on politics, it’s based on science. It’s based on the science of this variant and how transmissible it is. And the fact that it’s now getting to the younger ages. This isn’t your grandpa’s illness anymore. So we’ll continue to follow the science in all these decisions.”
The order comes as the case numbers spike higher than ever in Washington and, according to state Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah, 98% of recent cases are the Delta variant.
“What we’re saying to people is that, ‘Pay attention. The Delta Variant is real, and we’re very concerned about this’. Because our healthcare system is overwhelmed. We are seeing numbers in our healthcare system. We’re getting calls from our health care system. We’re getting providers who are saying, ‘We have staff shortages, were fatigued and we’re back at this again. So please help us’.”
The COVID-19 vaccine mandate includes those working at the state’s colleges and universities, including coaches.
Inslee also expanded the statewide indoor mask mandate that is currently in place for non-vaccinated individuals to include those who are vaccinated. Clallam and Jefferson Counties already have similar indoor mask mandates as ordered last week by Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry.