DeSantis Responds to NYC Vaccine Ruling

The New York Supreme Court has announced that workers fired for not taking the COVID-19 vaccination will be rehired. This comes after New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) announced last month that New York City would no longer institute the mandate for private employees beginning November 1^st. In response to the announcement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) delivered a political swipe at the state's vaccine ruling.

During the gubernatorial debate between Governor DeSantis and Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D), DeSantis highlighted that Florida has maintained its firm stance against vaccine mandates. In contrast, in October 2021, Dr. David Chokshi, the NYC Health Commissioner, announced that all city employees needed to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Subsequently, Mayor Adams signed an executive order that left exemptions for performers such as musicians and athletes.

However, the NY Supreme Court has now ruled that the orders were “arbitrary and capricious,” and it has also ruled that Chokshi violated the New York State constitution.

In the Court’s opinion, “the Health Commissioner cannot create a new condition of employment for city employees… cannot prohibit an employee from reporting to work… [and] cannot terminate employees.” “The Mayor cannot exempt exempt certain employees from these orders,” the opinion adds.

In response to the announcement, Governor DeSantis took to social media to share his thoughts on the ruling.

“The NY Supreme Court struck down the COVID regime’s vaccine mandates and ordered the reinstatement of unvaxxed employees with back pay,” said Governor DeSantis.

In contrast, DeSantis added that “in Florida, no one had to choose between a job and a jab – I’m glad it’s finally like that in New York.”

Both DeSantis and Mayor Adams have been embroiled in a rivalry like DeSantis’ rivalry with California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) regarding immigration and vaccine mandates.

While Rep. Crist has shared his support for a vaccine mandate in the past, Governor DeSantis is currently polling 14 points ahead of Crist in a new poll.