Federal Judge Grants Injunction Against NY COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Health Care Workers

In a separate case, judge rejects racial bias challenge to NYC passport system

A sign in a restaurant window informs customers that they will need to show proof that they have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine to be allowed inside, in New York City on Aug. 20, 2021. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A federal judge on Tuesday ruled in favor of 17 New York state healthcare workers who objected due to religious reasons to getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

The judge said defendants, state officials, failed to adequately explain why workers were denied religious exemptions to a vaccine mandate imposed in August.