(CNN) – New York City firefighters (FDNY) and several health workers are part of a march against vaccination orders.
Protesters blocked traffic coming to Manhattan as they crossed the Brooklyn Bridge.
The crowd had signs saying “No compulsory vaccination”, “My body is my choice”, “Stop the order” and “Let freedom sound”.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on October 20 that all city employees must receive at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine before 5pm on October 29 or they must take unpaid leave.
City staff, including the New York Police Department and the FDNY, were already required to vaccinate or test for Covit-19 every week, but the test option has now been removed.
The banner of a protester who protested against vaccines in New York on October 25, 2021 states that “coercion is not an option.” (Credit: WABC)
Another board read “On Kyrie’s side”. Kyrie Irving is a Brooklyn Nets basketball player who chose not to be vaccinated against Govt-19, while local regulations prohibit unvaccinated players from participating in home games.
According to CNN Link NY1, the march will end at the mayor’s office.
The NYPD said in a tweet: “All lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan are currently blocked due to a protest. Expect delays and look for alternatives. “
New York City Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Silva attends and shakes hands with others in the crowd.
– Reports by Laura Lai, Laura Studley, Homero de la Fuvente and Laura James