GOP Gov. Baker orders vaccine mandate for Massachusetts executive department workers

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker issued an executive order Thursday that requires executive department employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on or by Oct. 17.

Why it matters: Baker's order comes as other Republican governors push back on vaccine and mask mandates.

• Democratic governors in Minnesota, Washington, California, Illinois and New York, among others, have mandated vaccination for state employees.

The big picture: Massachusetts officials will roll out more information about the verification process in the coming weeks, Baker's office said in a press release.

• The policy applies to both on-site and remote employees, and failure to comply will be "subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination."
• Exemptions will be granted for medical or sincere religious reasons.
• The executive order applies to those employed in a "Commonwealth executive department agency, bureau department, office, or division of the Commonwealth."

Of note: Once the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention establishes guidelines for booster shots, employees will be required to receive those as well, the press release notes.