Heritage Village P-J file photo

Heritage Ministries said it has lost 9% of its New York workforce leading up to Monday’s deadline requiring hospital and nursing home workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The nonprofit organization that offers rehabilitation, skilled nursing and assisted living options at several locations in Chautauqua County previously estimated that up to 100 unvaccinated employees would leave or be terminated due to the New York state mandate.

“When we speak of losing 9%, it simply represents the percentage of our staff, who after many years of loyal service, choose not to be vaccinated,” said Lisa Haglund, Heritage president and CEO. “While we wish them the best in the future, we also support the vaccine and recognize we are called to protect our residents. As far as who resigned or was (terminated), everyone had the option to receive the vaccine and maintain employment with Heritage or in the health care field.”

Health care workers at hospitals and nursing homes in New York were required to be vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the day Monday.

See Tuesday’s edition for complete coverage.