Earlier this week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott released an executive order banning any entity in the state from imposing vaccine mandates. Initially, Abbott only banned local government officials from imposing vaccine mandates.
This new executive order does not sit well with Houston Methodist’s CEO, Dr. Marc Boom. He told CBS News he was disappointed with the governor’s executive order because medical workers took an oath not to harm, including everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Houston Methodist First Released Vaccine Mandates
One of the first hospitals in the country to ever mandate their employees to get vaccinated is Houston Methodist. Boom said that they know vaccines are good at preventing the spread of the disease, thus the mandate.
They gave their more than 26,000 employees the June 21 deadline to be fully vaccinated. After the deadline, around 150 workers quit or got fired. They tried to take it up to court, but the judge dismissed their case.
Houston Methodist CEO Concerned Over Executive Order
CBS reported that Boom noted the vaccine mandates would make their patients safe, and they can remain healthy at work and be there for the community now that it needs them the most. However, they are concerned that other Texas hospitals may not continue with the new executive order mandates.
CBS quoted Boom saying, “Health care workers all must care for their patients safely, and this order makes that promise harder.”
What The New Executive Order Says
The new executive order by Abbott says that no entity in Texas can compel an individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, whether the person is an employee or a consumer, and whether the objection to the vaccination is because of personal conscience, religious belief, or medical reasons. Those who violate the executive order will have to pay a fine. Abbott noted that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and the best defense against the virus, but they should remain voluntary and never be forced.
Abbott’s press secretary, Renae Eze, e-mailed CBS saying the executive order will protect the many Texans worried that President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate will leave them jobless.
