Anti-Vaccine Protest Held Wednesday for Healthcare Workers

A protest against vaccine mandates for healthcare workers was held Wednesday on the West Court Street Bridge.  Workers from both St. Mary’s and Riverside took part.  Both hospitals have given employees deadlines to be vaccinated or face termination unless granted an exemption.  The protesters say it’s about freedom to choose, the healthcare centers say it about patient and employee safety.  Riverside officials say they expect to lose a possible 100 employees because of the mandate.  The Daily Journal reports that Amita St. Mary’s has not offered an estimate.