Weekly COVID tests ordered for unvaccinated state workers

State officials say unvaccinated state workers will soon be required to take weekly COVID tests.

In a press release issued late Wednesday, they announced the state is working to implement a testing program in mid-August. The state already has mask requirements in place for employees who are not fully vaccinated.

The governor’s office is encouraging state employees to get vaccinated before the August weekly testing requirements take effect.

State government workplaces that reach 70 percent or higher vaccination rates will not be required to follow the weekly testing requirement but masks will still be required for the unvaccinated.

They also announced that any state worker who gets the virus will be required to use their own sick leave and won’t be eligible for paid administrative leave unless they can show evidence of a vaccination or a doctor’s statement that they have a medical condition preventing vaccination.

In addition, state workers in counties that have imposed more restrictive measures must follow the local rules. That includes Clark County where the county commission has ordered all indoor employees including gaming workers to again wear masks at work.

Clark County has now fully vaccinated 45 percent of eligible people — those aged 12 and older.

Washoe County has fully vaccinated 56 percent of its population and, in Carson City, just a fraction under 50 percent are vaccinated.