New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that about 2,500 city firefighters, or 23 percent of the city’s force, are not vaccinated on Tuesday. Speaking to CNN, the mayor said that “we’re at about 77 percent with firefighters vaccinated,” adding that there is an unspecified number of firefighters that have requested a medical or religious exemption for the COVID-19. The Fire Department of New York reportedly employs roughly 11,000 firefighters. Those who are seeking exemptions will be able to work while officials review their cases, he said in response to a question about reports saying approximately 2,300 firefighters called in sick on Tuesday to protest against the mandate. “When the decision is made, either you get an exemption or you got to get vaccinated. Once you’re at that mandate point it’s, get vaccinated or lose your paycheck. It’s very straightforward,” de Blasio said, adding that “92 percent of the workforce has …