NEW YORK — The city will institute a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for employees at nonpublic schools, including yeshivas, Catholic schools and other private schools, City Hall officials told NY1 on Thursday evening.

Proof of at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be required by Dec. 20.

"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," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.

The city says it will work with school leaders to ensure vaccinations are "easily accessible," and promises to offer the shots at any schools that request them. Vaccines will also be offered to any eligible students who want them.

The city said it spoke with school leaders before announcing the mandate Thursday.

The city estimates this mandate will apply to about 56,000 employees at 938 schools across the five boroughs.

A COVID-19 vaccination is already required for employees at city public schools, and for all municipal workers. De Blasio has touted the mandates as effective ways to boost the city's vaccination rate, pointing to jumps in inoculation rates ahead of or just after deadlines pass.

NY1 reached out to the city to confirm how it plans to enforce and track these vaccinations, but has not heard back as of this writing.

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