Allegheny Co. Port Authority Mandates Vaccinations For Workers

Pittsburgh PA

10 January, 2022

3:42 PM

Description

PITTSBURGH, PA — Port Authority of Allegheny County's 2,600 employees have until March 15 to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or they will face discipline that could include termination. The transit agency announced the move on Monday. The new policy does not include a testing option in lieu of vaccinations. "With the recent surge of the Omicron variant and the proven success of the vaccine against severe illness and death, it became clear to me that a vaccine requirement is the most effective way for us to protect our employees and riders," Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman said in a statement. "We've already seen what the virus has done to our service, and our riders can't afford to have even more missed trips and delays. This will help ensure our employees remain healthy and protected so they can deliver the safe and reliable public transportation that Allegheny County deserves." Seven authority employees have died during the pandemic, according to the authority. Seventy-four percent of its workers are vaccinated. Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.