The federal judge who last week blocked New York officials from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for all health care workers in the state opted Monday to extend the order by up to another two weeks. Even an attorney for the plaintiffs admitted the decision by U.S. District Judge David Hurd seemed “at least somewhat unusual.” However, it means some of New York’s most essential workers statewide will be covered by his order through Oct. 12. On Aug. 16, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that health care workers, including those who work for private businesses, would need to receive their first dose of a vaccine by Sept. 27. Unlike the vaccine orders given to nonmedical state workers, the state did not give physicians, nurses and other medical professionals an opt-out by testing. So, an unvaccinated health care worker would likely lose their job. The state also refused to make any religious accommodations for …