Philly’s vaccine mandate for city employees takes effect Jan. 14. Thousands remain unvaccinated.

Employees face unpaid leave and termination if they don’t comply. The city is still negotiating with some of its labor unions.

Philadelphia’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for 22,000 municipal employees takes effect Friday, but thousands of city workers aren’t yet fully vaccinated.

About 78% of all city employees are already fully vaccinated, according to the city. The rest could risk losing their jobs due to the mandate, under which workers will be put on unpaid leave for 15 days and then face dismissal if they don’t get a shot.

The new policy is set to take effect amid a record-breaking surge in coronavirus cases that has strained city services such as trash pickup. But Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration said it will ensure the mandate has no impact on core city services.

Philadelphia Inquirer article features a photo of Don’t Tread on Philly protesters at the Mummer’s Parade.