By Anthony Payero
(NEW JERSEY) One of New Jersey's biggest health care systems fired six senior staff members who opposed the company's mandate and opted not to get vaccinated against COVID-19, according to NBC News.
RWJBarnabas Health announced in May that employees "at the supervisory level and above" were required to get the coronavirus vaccine by the end of June.
"Thanks to the incredible commitment of our leaders, the vast majority of our management team has been vaccinated against Covid-19," the health system said in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday. "As of July 14, 2,979 staff members, or 99.7 percent, who are at the supervisor level and above, have been fully vaccinated or received medical and religious exemptions or a deferral."
"Regrettably, six staff at the supervisor level and above have not complied with the mandate and are no longer employees of RWJBH, per our policy," the company said.
The company is also calling for all staff and physicians to get vaccinated "in the coming days," citing an "ethical and professional responsibility to protect our patients and ensure a safe, Covid-19 free environment," according to their statement.
New Jersey has seen over 1 million COVID-19 cases and an estimated 26,500 deaths since the pandemic started, according to an NBC News tally.
On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy continued to ask unvaccinated New Jerseyans to go out and get their doses.