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Directors, managers and supervisors:
Last week, the United States Supreme Court ruled against the federal government’s authority to impose a vaccine-or-test mandate on large businesses through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
This court ruling does not prevent Hennepin County from implementing its own workplace safety policies, and we will continue to move forward with our vaccine requirement plans.
See the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
Thank you for reviewing this updated message below that all employees will receive later today. Please direct questions to your manager, director or to your Human Resources business partner.
David
David J. Hough
County Administrator
COVID-19 vaccine requirements for county employees
January 18, 2022
Employees,
As we approach two full years of living with the pandemic, COVID-19 remains dynamic. We continue to monitor and use guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health.
Please carefully review several COVID-19 updates below.
Vaccine requirements by April 4, 2022
In November, the county board adopted a requirement for all county officials and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Last week the United States Supreme Court ruled against the federal government’s authority to impose a vaccine-or-test mandate on large businesses through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
This court ruling does not prevent Hennepin County from implementing its own workplace safety policies, and we will continue to move forward with our vaccine requirement plans. Please ensure you will be in compliance with vaccine requirements. As a reminder:
- All county officials and staff must receive the final dose in a primary COVID-19 vaccination series by April 4, 2022, unless approved for an accommodation.
- All county officials and staff must submit proof of vaccination by April 8, 2022, unless approved for an accommodation.
- This requirement applies to all staff, including those with remote worker profiles.
- Staff failing to comply with the policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination, for failure to comply with county policy and inability to safely perform job duties.
Review the email sent to all employees December 2 for more details.
Planning ahead: Booster shots recommended
Public health agencies and organizations are increasingly calling for people to obtain booster shots to be considered up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. Hennepin County continues to evaluate guidance and weigh future changes to the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Staff are strongly encouraged to get a booster shot as soon as they become eligible.
CDC: Stay Up to Date with Your Vaccines
COVID-19 boosters are safe, effective, and widely available.
If you obtain a booster shot, make sure to retain your updated CDC vaccination card. Hennepin County may require staff to submit proof of a booster shot in the future.
Additional need-to-know updates
With the surge of the omicron variant and guidance changes from the CDC and MDH, Hennepin County has been updating other information as well, including:
- Daily screening questions
- Instructions for staff who test positive or have been exposed
- KN95 and N95 PPE guidance for staff working onsite
- Available vaccines and booster shots
- Testing options for anyone who has symptoms or has been exposed
Read "5 need-to-know updates on COVID-19."
Continuing to share information
Thank you for your ongoing service to our residents. As the pandemic continues to evolve, so too will we. Please direct questions to your manager or supervisor and continue to reference Hennepin County COVID Connect.
David
David J. Hough
County Administrator
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