A federal appeals court judge on Friday temporarily blocked New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for Department of Education staff, just days before the requirement was set to go into effect. The case, a lawsuit filed by a group of teachers, was referred to a three-judge appeals court panel for further review. The review could take place as early as this weekend, before the city’s vaccination deadline was expected to take place on Monday, the New York Times reported. Department of Education spokesperson Danielle Filson said that officials are seeking a speedy resolution and that the circuit court has the motion on its calendar for Wednesday.

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