Albany, N.Y. - Governor Kathy Hochul says the state's making plans aimed at addressing possible staffing shortages amid the healthcare worker vaccine mandate.
The deadline to be vaccinated is this coming Monday, and there is no weekly "testing option" for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. Hochul appealed to the unvaccinated workers saying she knows they are caring people dedicated to helping others. She went on to report 84-percent of the state's healthcare workers are vaccinated.
Hochul also spoke about New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and his resignation. He will be stepping down from his position after nearly seven-and-a-half years on the job. She said that Dr. Zucker will remain in his position until his replacement can be found.
She also announced another incentive program to get people vaccinated.
Today she announced "New York State Vax and Win" where they will award prizes through a random drawing of all those who get their shots.
The prizes will include over 200 tickets to Bills, Giants, Jets games, facetime calls with players and autographed items. Eligible New Yorkers who received their first vaccine dose September 9 through October 24 can enter. First winners will be announced September 29.