BELLINGHAM, Wash. – City of Bellingham employees have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Friday, December 3rd, to keep their jobs, but the mayor’s office says they’re offering some flexibility.

Spokesperson Janice Keller says they’re taking into account that being vaccinated is a “heartfelt personal choice” for some.

Mayor Seth Fleetwood’s original order mandated that workers get the shots by November 19th so the vaccines would be in full effect by December 3rd.

But they’re considering ways to accommodate some who are just now deciding to go ahead with vaccination.

Workers had to apply for a medical or religious exemption by October 15th.

The mayor’s office expects to release a report on compliance with the order on Monday, December 6th.