The latest data from New York City city hall shows that 80% of firefighters are now vaccinated.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said all fire companies are now operational and emergency response times are back to normal.
De Blasio made the statement on Friday adding that agencies citywide are making “really good progress” in boosting vaccination rates.
“People are safe,” de Blasio said.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, New York City officials have signed a deal with four city unions — including the largest in the Big Apple and sanitation workers — to allow more time for unvaccinated workers to apply for exemptions from his COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
According to reports, the city signed the deal with the DC 37, Teamsters Local 237, Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association Local 831, and SEIU Local 300.
Based on the deal, these workers are allowed to apply for a special accommodation from the vaccine for religious or medical reasons until the end-of-day Friday.
The members of the four unions mentioned above are also allowed to work with pay while those applications are pending.
However, if their application is denied they will be placed on unpaid leave if they choose to appeal.
Moreover, city hall officials said those who applied for an exemption before Tuesday are able to remain on the job with pay until their application is reviewed and any appeal is determined.
It was also agreed that both groups will have to be tested weekly while working.
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