Colorado mandates vaccine for health care workers by Oct. 31

DENVER (AP) — Health care workers at facilities including assisted living homes, nursing homes and hospitals in Colorado must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of October under a temporary emergency rule approved the state board of health Monday. The 6-1 vote during an emergency session came after Gov. Jared Polis requested that the board consider a vaccine mandate. It applies to staff and contract workers who work with patients or clients at about 3,800 licensed facilities regulated by the board. Several people who spoke at the hearing suggested workers wound quit rather than be vaccinated, worsening staffing shortages.