"MY BODY, MY CHOICE" IN THE AGE OF MANDATES

"MY BODY, MY CHOICE" IN THE AGE OF MANDATES

Employees of Wyoming County Community Health System, along with participants from other locations and retired nurses, spoke out over the weekend against the mandatory COVID-19 vaccines the state has mandated for healthcare workers and volunteers statewide.

On Monday, the hospital’s chief executive officer said WCCHS has been corresponding internally with its staff and providing updated information.

Among the WCCHS workers lined up along North Main Street, across from the hospital Saturday, were Tina Burton and Lida Sperry.

Burton, a licensed practical nurse, said the rally was not a rally against the hospital.

“The hospital’s hands are tied. They can only do what the state says they have to do,” said Burton. “This is against the mandate. This is my body, my choice.”

Sperry, a certified nursing assistant, said this is a deeper issue than what the rally participants were there for Saturday.

“It’s the basic principle, that they’re trying to take away our basic constitutional freedoms. If that doesn’t outrage the public, no matter what side you’re on, there’s something wrong,” she said.