ATHENS, Ga. — Another north Georgia county has approved a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for its employees.

The Athens-Clarke County Board of Commissioners passed the mandate during its weekly meeting. County employees have until Nov. 10 to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.

There are incentives offered for employees: a $200 bonus, 8 hours of paid time off and paid vaccination leave of up to two hours per vaccine appointment and four hours for recovery of any side effects.

Those who do not comply with the policy could face “progressive discipline” up to termination. There are exemptions for religious beliefs.

The full vaccine mandate can be read here. All employees, regardless of their vaccination status, are currently required to wear masks indoors.

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As of Wednesday, Athens-Clarke County says 44% of the population is fully vaccinated.

Data shows the county is seeing 503.39 case total in 7 days per 100,000 population this week. There has been 134 new 7-day hospital admissions and four new deaths this week.

Athens-Clarke County isn’t the one one to issue a vaccine mandate for its employees.

Channel 2 Action News first reported last month that Fulton County would require its employees to be vaccinated or test negative for the virus every 48 hours.

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County Chairman Robb Pitts told Channel 2 that the county has tried everything to get more employees vaccinated, including incentives. But since nothing is working, he put the mandate in place.

The full Board of Commissioners passed the mandate last week. Employees have until Oct. 3 to submit their proof of vaccination.

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