Rochester Chamber of Commerce President on Cuomo’s call for businesses to serve the vaccinated only

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — President Joe Biden Thursday evening put out a call for businesses to get their employees vaccinated or tested regularly.

Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo put out a plea for help, asking businesses to require their customers to be vaccinated, but not mandating that they take up that policy. Nonetheless, it’s certainly perked up the ears of the business community.

The governor suggested vaccine requirements for customers could mean a safer workplace and serve as an incentive for the unvaccinated.

Rochester Chamber of Commerce President Bob Duffy says it’s fair game for businesses to choose how they want to operate with COVID-19 still around.

He admitted he hates having to wear a mask, but says we should all mask up if we’re not vaccinated. Duffy expects everyone in the Finger Lakes region would uphold their "personal responsibilities".

"Businesses will make their own decisions on this, mandating something is difficult, it’s easier for a government official but for a private business we strongly encourage and lead by example but also if you choose not to get the vaccine for a reason you have to show your co-workers the respect of wearing a mask," Duffy said.

The state is also requiring employees to get vaccinated or tested.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said there are no plans to do the same for county workers.

As for President Biden, in his afternoon news conference, he also suggested local governments take it a step further, by offering people $100 to get vaccinated.