Cook County Sheriff's Office postpones COVID vaccine mandate deadline
COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) -- Cook County deputies will have more time to comply with the COVID vaccine mandate.
The sheriff's office has decided to postpone the mandate deadline to give staff more time to get their shots, officials announced Friday morning.
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"The Sheriff's Office has seen a noticeable increase and positive response from staff reporting vaccination. Additionally, during discussions about the mandate, unions have requested more time to see voluntary compliance among staff," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
The enforcement date was set for Oct. 17.
"The Sheriff's Office staff has worked hard to manage COVID and we will monitor our COVID situation in the Office very closely as those negotiations continue," the statement said.
This comes as Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot holds her ground, requiring all city employees to report their vaccination status as of Friday, despite pushback from the Chicago Police Union.
Thursday, the mayor filed a complaint against the Fraternal Order of Police and its president for engaging in, supporting, and encouraging a work stoppage or strike, which they deny. The union also continues to threaten legal action against the mandate.
