The Oasis at Dodge Park still has COVID-19 restrictions in place and word of mandatory employee vaccinations was welcome news to the facility's owners.

"It's a great relief," said co-owner Micha Salev. "I think it's a great move to the commonwealth to protect the frail and the elderly at the long-term care facility."

The Baker-Polito administration released guidance Wednesday saying all unvaccinated personnel at long-term care facilities are required to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by September 1.

At a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker discussed how dangerous the virus can be for vulnerable populations, especially with the delta variant responsible for most new cases.

"If you are over the age of 75, especially if you're over the age of 85, you are at extreme risk of getting severely ill," Baker said.

According to the state, as of August 2, Massachusetts had 155 facilities with less than 75% of staff vaccinated.

The move doesn't impact Dodge Park much. Salev and fellow co-owner Ben Herlinger say 140 of 142 employees are fully vaccinated, the two exceptions are pregnant women.

"Ben and I, we both at the Oasis and Dodge Park, we actually stopped hiring back in March anyone who refused fully vaccinated," Salev said.

"It is your duty to protect them," said Herlinger. "And what better protection is being vaccinated."

But, Salev says this could cause a staffing issue for similar facilities across the state.

"Because a lot of staff don't want the vaccine," Salev said. "A lot of people might still stay home and collect the unemployment benefit."

All workers must be fully vaccinated by October 10. There will be exemptions if someone has a medical or religious reason.