Providence Loosens COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement For City Workers

PROVIDENCE, RI — Providence announced changes to its COVID-19 vaccination policy Monday, loosening the strict mandate to include a testing option for unvaccinated employees.

The changes were made based on the latest guidance from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, the city said. Under the new system, Providence County, along with the rest of the state, is considered to be at low risk.

Starting Tuesday, employees will be required to submit negative COVID-19 tests twice per week if they are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Back in December, the city updated its vaccination policy for employees to remove the testing option, requiring that all employees be fully vaccinated by the end of February.

"We have made incredible strides in getting our workforce vaccinated, and I'm appreciative of all City employees who stepped up to protect themselves, their coworkers and our community," Mayor Jorge Elorza said. "We are headed in the right direction—with COVID-19 cases, hospital and ICU patient admissions continuing to decline, and vaccination rates continuing to rise here in Providence. While cases have declined and we are updating our policy, I recognize that COVID-19 is ever-evolving and will not hesitate to make further updates as needed."

Also starting Tuesday, masks will no longer be required for employees or visitors to city buildings. Other measures such as social distancing, plexiglass barriers and separate entrances and exits will remain in place until further notice.