Richmond city employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 1. The city announced the directive on Wednesday as cases in Richmond and across the country are on the rise again, prompting local and state governments to adopt measures to prevent the spread of the more highly contagious Delta variant of the virus. At a news conference with local and state health officials, Mayor Levar Stoney said city employees, including those who have already been vaccinated, will need to submit documentation of their vaccination status or first dose by Aug. 18. While the city will grant medical and religious exemptions, any employee who does not comply will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination, he said.