Joié's Blog

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion, you are entitled to yours. Please keep an open mind if you choose to continue reading.

On Sept.13 2021, New York City enforced Covid vaccine mandates for indoor activities such as dining, entertainment, and fitness. According to the New York Times Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that “all city workers” needed to get at least one vaccine dose by 5 p.m. Friday Oct. 29, or they would face unpaid leave.

Thousands of people are outraged at the mandate including police officers, firefighters, and sanitation workers. On Monday Oct. 25, they joined together in protest of the mandates. The city could face staff shortages for those who choose not to comply.

Los Angeles is taking similar steps by enforcing strict mandates that will go into effect starting November 4. According to the Associated Press, anyone planning to enter bars, restaurants, nail salons, gyms and many other indoor facilities will need to provide proof of vaccination. Students from grades K-12 will be required to be vaccinated as well.

Customers without proof of vaccination can use outdoor facilities, and briefly enter a business to use the restroom or pick up food.

I am not against vaccines in general, however, people are entitled to the right to choose what goes into their bodies. Many of the people protesting are concerned about the long-term effects this vaccine will have on them, and that is valid. Some people can’t get vaccinated because of medical and/or religious reasons. Also, some of these people have already had Covid and fear an adverse reaction. The Covid vaccine mandates are causing division between the unvaccinated and vaccinated people. Personally, it seems like segregation is taking place in a different form.

 These mandates aren’t encouraging, they are sending Americans a message that they don’t have a choice. These mandates are threatening jobs and access to live in normal society if they don’t comply. When did medical records become public information? Shouldn’t there be a group of unvaccinated people to determine the effectiveness of the vaccine in the future?

Don’t ever do anything you feel uncomfortable with. If you want to get vaccinated or not, that is your birthright. Those that aren’t vaccinated can still be tested and practice social distancing. There are more ethical ways to beat this pandemic rather than threatening the livelihood of those who chose not to be.

What are your thoughts?