Wisconsin Executive Branch Employees Will Be Required to Provide COVID Vaccination Status

Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 -- 12:00 PM

(WMTV) Wisconsin executive branch employees, contract staff, interns and volunteers will be required to provide information on their COVID-19 vaccination status, the state Department of Administration stated Monday.

The DOA updated its employee/supervisor guidance on Monday, saying that these employees will need to give their vaccination status and provide proper documentation by September 9.

However, the agency stopped short of issuing a vaccine mandate. “Employees and contract staff are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” the DOA wrote in its guidance.

The DOA cited the more highly contagious Delta variant as part of the reason for the new guidance, noting it represents over 90% of coronavirus cases in the US and Wisconsin.

It also notes that people who are vaccinated could still spread the Delta variant to others, including those under the age of 12 and the immunocompromised.

The DOA guidance also says vaccines are highly effective, and getting one provides a smaller risk for severe hospitalizations or death. In an email Tuesday, the DOA stated that there could be punishments for those who choose not to update their status.

“As with all workplace policies, disciplinary action may be taken if workers do not comply,” a spokesperson stated. They added that about 30,000 state employees will be affected by this updated policy.

Wearing masks is still required by all executive branch employees, contract staff, interns and volunteers, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors, customers and venders are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated, but the agency is not requiring it.

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