Delaware mandates COVID-19 vaccines for all school staff

All teachers and staff at public and private schools in Delaware must get vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to regular testing, Gov. John Carney (D) announced Tuesday. 

Carney and the Division of Public Health and Department of Education issued the vaccine mandate, which takes effect Nov. 1, by emergency regulation. The requirement additionally extends to all contractors and volunteers at K-12 schools across the state. 

“There’s no better way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and keep all Delaware children in their classrooms, than to get vaccinated,” Carney said in a statement. 

“Our top priority has been to get all Delaware students back in school this fall. This new requirement will help keep them there and prevent regular disruptions to their learning,” Carney continued. “These vaccines are safe and extremely protective against COVID-19 infection and serious illness. I encourage all Delawareans to get your shot and help us finally put an end to this pandemic.”

The Delaware State Education Association said in a statement it supported the governor’s mandate, which keeps students and teachers in school while aiming to ensure their safety.

“All scientific evidence shows us that this vaccine is effective and prevents the risk of transmission while lessening the symptoms if the disease is transmitted,” the statement read. “So, we urge our members to get vaccinated.” 

About 60 percent of Delaware residents have received one dose of a coronavirus vaccine while 54.6 percent are fully vaccinated, according to state data.