Thousands of NYC corrections officers face suspension after failing to meet Tuesday vaccine deadline

Hundreds of correctional officers in New York City's jail system face suspension after failing to meet a Tuesday night deadline for getting a COVID-19 vaccination. 

The city's Department of Correction reported 77% of its staff had gotten at least one vaccine dose as of 5 p.m. Monday, the lowest of any city agency, meaning about 1,900 employees had yet to comply with the mandate, according to the Associated Press. 

The deadline for mandatory vaccination was delayed a month for jail workers because of staffing shortages.

Jail workers who've applied for religious or medical exemptions can stay on the job while their cases are reviewed, officials said. 

Workers who haven't applied for an exemption and who failed to show proof of vaccination by 5 p.m. Tuesday were to be placed on unpaid leave and surrender any city-issued firearms and protective gear, officials said, the wire service also reports.

There were not updates Wednesday morning on such numbers.

Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday issued an emergency executive order to beef up jail staffing by authorizing a switch to 12-hour shifts from the normal 8-hour tours.

The president of the union for jail guards balked at that move. The union said it would sue to block the mandate, a move similar to one the police union tried unsuccessfully in late October, also according to the Associated Press.