Weekly tests or unpaid leave for unvaccinated Winter Park employees

Amid spiking coronavirus cases throughout Florida caused by the delta variant, Winter Park is giving its unvaccinated city employees an ultimatum next month: submit negative test results weekly or take unpaid leave.

Commissioners approved the policy Wednesday, which will be enacted on Sept. 20 and follows the city’s six-week incentive program that offers $150 for proof of inoculation.

The program launched Aug. 2 and City Manager Randy Knight said 179 out of about 500 employees have shown their vaccination cards. The incentive, which also includes a paid day off from work, lasts until Sept. 15.

Under the policy, any employee who isn’t vaccinated will have a deadline set each week to submit a negative test result or they won’t be allowed to return to work until they comply.

Employees will be allowed to remain on the clock for testing. The Winter Park Fire Department will supervise rapid nasal tests in a drive-thru or employees can get tested at their own expense.

N95 masks will be provided to any employee who requests one.

But commissioners said Wednesday they are also prepared to consider a vaccine mandate in the wake of similar moves by public agencies in Orange County.

If at least 65% of city employees haven’t submitted vaccination cards when the incentive program is over, commissioners will call a special meeting to discuss the policy.

There is an exemption for anyone who can’t be immunized because of medical reasons or religious beliefs.

Commissioner Marty Sullivan said the initial employee vaccination numbers are “unsatisfactory.”

“We still have in our back pocket to make it mandatory,” he said. “I lean toward that, but I want to do what is the best thing cooperatively with the city staff to protect our employees because of the health costs and there’s severe costs through our health plan if anyone ends up in the hospital with COVID.”

Mayor Phil Anderson said he understands there is vaccine hesitancy, but the city has a responsibility to the public.

“There’s a lot of people that have deeply held concerns and yet, this affects a lot of people around them,” Anderson said. “We owe our health care system...some kind of response and contribution to flatten the curve.”