New York: 9,000 public workers put on unpaid leave for refusing Covid vaccine

Mayor says thousands of firefighters have called out sick in apparent protest, with 18 of 350 units out of service

About 9,000 New York City municipal workers were put on unpaid leave for refusing to comply with a Covid-19 vaccine mandate that took effect on Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said, adding that thousands of firefighters had called out sick in apparent protest.

Firehouses remained open but 18 of 350 units were out of service and many units are understaffed", Daniel Nigro, the fire commissioner, said.