Governor Announces ‘Vaccine or Test’ Requirement for Some State Employees

Gov. Tom Wolf announced yesterday that commonwealth employees in state health care facilities and high-risk congregate care facilities will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 7. This initiative will affect about 25,000 employees working in 24-hour-operated state facilities, including state hospitals, state homes for people with intellectual disabilities, veterans homes, community health centers, and state correction institutions. 

Also, beginning September 7, all new external hires in these facilities must be vaccinated before starting employment.  Those who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. 

Currently, more than 63​% of Pennsylvanians 18 and older are fully vaccinated, with the state ranking fifth among all 50 states for total doses administered. All Pennsylvanians age​ 12 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. Use Vaccine Finder to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.