Yates officials oppose Covid vaccine mandate and testing when jeopardizes someone’s job, liberty

YATES — The Town Board on Nov. 11 went on the record opposing Covid vaccine and testing mandates, saying town employees and residents have “the inalienable right to refuse medical treatments and the right to privacy of their medical status with regard to Covid vaccinations and testing.”

The Town Board, in a resolution passed unanimously, said individuals have the right to make personal and private decisions regarding their health care, and also have the right to refuse medical treatment.

“The Covid-19 virus is a serious threat to public health but so too are the shockingly repressive governmental restrictions of individual liberties under the guise of public health,” according to the resolution.

The Town Board said the government shouldn’t mandate Covid vaccinations or testing “if such measures will severely restrict or possibly eliminate an individual’s right to work, to travel, and to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which comes with participation in U.S. civil society.”

The resolution was sent to Paul Pettit, the public health director in Orleans County; Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature; Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Assemblyman Mike Norris; State Sen. Robert Ortt and Gov. Kathy Hochul.