Dear Friend --

The Long Beach Unified School District announced they are joining our other educational institutions in requiring proof of vaccination or weekly negative COVID-19 tests for all of their employees.

LBUSD is now the largest school system in California to implement this mandate, which I strongly support.

Long Beach has been a leader throughout our vaccination program and we are now the largest city in California to require vaccinations or testing for employees of our city government, community college, state university and school district.

The school district has been an invaluable partner for our city's pandemic response and is the largest employer in Long Beach with more than 12,000 teachers and staff members. This is absolutely the right decision and will not only protect the health of children as they return to classrooms in the coming weeks, but will also help stop the spread of COVID-19 throughout our community.

Since the City of Long Beach made its announcement two weeks ago, states, cities, schools and businesses have all joined in requiring proof of vaccination or frequent negative tests. These policies have resulted in more than a 40% increase in vaccinations in our city during that time. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our Health Department and medical professionals 74% of adults in Long Beach have been vaccinated.

It's never been more important to get vaccinated and do your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and its variants in our community. Getting your vaccine has also never been easier or more accessible. You can find more information on vaccines here.

Thank you and Go Long Beach, 

Mayor Robert Garcia