FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2021
The following statement is from Assemblymember Michael Reilly (R-Staten Island) following this morning’s announcement from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio about vaccine mandates…
“I have maintained since the beginning of the year that I oppose vaccine mandates. I do not believe that government has a place to mandate this vaccine, especially considering that it has not yet received full approval from the health experts within the federal government. Today’s announcement from Mayor de Blasio that unvaccinated individuals would be barred from restaurants, gyms, and other venues throughout New York City is not only illogical but also illegal. Make no mistake about it – this will only further divide New Yorkers, many of whom remain hesitant to get the vaccine because of the constant politicization of the pandemic by government officials and the media.
We should not use fear, intimidation, and mandates to force people to make medical decisions, and I strongly urge Mayor de Blasio to reconsider this shortsighted policy and find another way to increase inoculation rates that does not infringe on our individual rights.”