More healthcare providers issue COVID vaccine mandates. Why the trend will continue A growing list of local governments and healthcare providers say the threat of the Delta variant outweighs concerns tied employee vaccine refusal. Author: Kent Erdahl Updated: 2:08 AM CDT July 27, 2021 MINNEAPOLIS — As the Delta variant fuels a fast resurgence of COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Health is making a pitch for residents to get vaccinated, while a growing number of governments and employers are making it mandatory. On Monday, both the state of California and New York City announced that public employees will soon be required to get vaccinated or face weekly testing.