(Providence, RI) – Care New England announced today that they are moving toward a mandatory vaccination program for all staff across all operating units. CNE has required COVID-19 vaccination of students, volunteers, and new hires since July 1st, 2021. The next step is to require all managers to begin the vaccination series prior to Labor Day.

Rhode Island ranks among the most vaccinated states in the nation. Despite this fact, new COVID-19 cases are increasing across the state, likely due to the highly contagious delta variant. It is clear that requiring vaccination is the right move for a trusted healthcare system.

“It is our responsibility to keep our patients, and our staff, safe. This program will be based on the best evidence that we have to date about preventing transmission of COVID-19 ” – James Fanale, President and CEO, Care New England.

Complete details of the program, and its implementation for all staff across the system, will be released in the next 7-10 days.