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Poll results

Sponsored by: OTELCO

After Americans were at first quick to roll up their sleeves, vaccination against COVID-19 has become an increasingly divisive issue. In Maine, 71.2% of the population is fully vaccinated, as of Sunday, but those who aren't have been hearing for months why they should be.

The increasing toll of the delta variant and the risk of its spread from unvaccinated Mainers have only amped up the rhetoric — and the seriousness of some public health measures.

Businesses that once encouraged employees to get inoculated are now requiring them to get a shot, or like Delta Air Lines, imposing financial penalties. Workers who expressed initial skepticism about the vaccines have doubled down. Some have even protested the tougher policies.

When Mainebiz polled readers nearly five months ago, three-quarters of those who responded said their businesses would not require employees to receive a COVID vaccine. At the time, newly confirmed cases of the disease were running a little over 200 per day. On Friday, Aug. 27, Maine recorded 415 new cases.

Is your business now considering mandates or penalties in order to get employees vaccinated against COVID-19?
Yes (43%, 159 VOTES)
No (57%, 215 VOTES)
Poll Description

Sponsored by: OTELCO

After Americans were at first quick to roll up their sleeves, vaccination against COVID-19 has become an increasingly divisive issue. In Maine, 71.2% of the population is fully vaccinated, as of Sunday, but those who aren't have been hearing for months why they should be.

The increasing toll of the delta variant and the risk of its spread from unvaccinated Mainers have only amped up the rhetoric — and the seriousness of some public health measures.

Businesses that once encouraged employees to get inoculated are now requiring them to get a shot, or like Delta Air Lines, imposing financial penalties. Workers who expressed initial skepticism about the vaccines have doubled down. Some have even protested the tougher policies.

When Mainebiz polled readers nearly five months ago, three-quarters of those who responded said their businesses would not require employees to receive a COVID vaccine. At the time, newly confirmed cases of the disease were running a little over 200 per day. On Friday, Aug. 27, Maine recorded 415 new cases.

  • 374 Votes
  • 9 Comments
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9 Comments

  • August 30, 2021

    Do not have to do so as all are voluntarily vaccinated! In fact, all rushed to get vaccinated as soon as allowed for their age group!

  • William Kelton
    August 30, 2021

    I have offered $400 to every one of my employees and I didn't change anyone's mind, exactly 1/2 of my employees received $400.

  • August 30, 2021

    Isn't the virus spread by either vaccinated or unvaccinated? Unfortunately, we can no longer believe anything from the politized CDC, NIH or WHO. And the propaganda spreading media is no more helpful.

  • August 30, 2021

    We are 90+ percent vaccinated. Those who are not have much stricter Health & Safety protocols at work, primarily masking and distancing.