New York City’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate came into effect on Monday for all teachers and staff who work with children in nonpublic schools. The mandate, announced on Dec. 2 by Mayor Bill de Blasio, is expected to affect about 56,000 employees at 930 schools across the city. It requires that every nonpublic school terminate any staff member who has not provided proof of at least the first dose of a two-dose vaccine by Dec. 20, and submit an initial affirmation of compliance with the requirements to the city’s health department by Dec. 28. There will be “reasonable accommodations” for school staff in accordance with applicable laws, such as the federal disability rights law, according to the order (pdf). “We’re doing everything in our power to protect our students and school staff, and a mandate for nonpublic school employees will help keep our school communities and youngest New Yorkers safe,” the …