New city of Pittsburgh hires will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and other employees will need to adhere to new mask policies, city officials announced Friday.
The new guidance will affect a portion of the roughly 3,600 employees according to the mayor’s office.
Beginning Aug. 16, all non-union employees must be fully vaccinated or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing and wear masks at all times. The city will begin meeting with the unions representing remaining employees to discuss additional masking and vaccine requirements, according to the mayor’s office.
New mask policies were also announced for those visiting city office buildings, senior centers, rec centers and public safety and public works satellite locations, and take effect immediately.
Unvaccinated individuals will be required to wear masks at all times in the city facilities, while those who have received the shot will only be required to wear masks in common areas, shared vehicles and group settings. No masks will be required in outdoor areas, such as city parks.
The new guidance comes as Allegheny County this week reached the threshold of COVID-19 cases that triggers the federal government recommendation for mask wearing.
County officials announced on Thursday similar requirements for employees.
First Published: August 6, 2021, 9:02 p.m.