Special Olympics drops COVID-19 vaccine mandate to avoid being fined by host Florida
The Special Olympics lifted its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the 2022 USA Games after Florida moved to fine the organisation $27.5 million for violating a state law against such rules.
People who would have been ineligible under the previous vaccine requirement can now attend the Games.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of Special Olympics athletes, families, and fans to an extraordinary 2022 USA Games,” the organisation said. The announcement was made after a letter from the Florida Department of Health said it would impose a $27.5 million fine on Special Olympics International for 5,500 violations of a Florida statute because of the vaccine mandate. The number of violations represented a $5,000 fine for each person ordered to certify their vaccination status.
Florida law bars businesses from requiring documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination.