Workers in New York are a step closer to be given guaranteed time off to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. 

The state Assembly on Wednesday approved the measure, which would apply to public and private-sector employees. 

“Public health officials have stressed that slowing the spread of this virus and protecting our most vulnerable populations will require us to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as possible,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. 

“This legislation will help to expedite the immunization of our healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters, teachers and all New York workers who have kept our great state moving forward in these trying times.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signaled support for a similar paid time off plan for vaccinations in his State of the State agenda.

The bill was approved as Cuomo's office announced 35 new pop-up vaccination sites around New York will open this week as officials race to put shots in arms in order to end the pandemic, now entering its 11th month. 

The pop-up vaccination sites are primarily meant to encourage communities of color to take the vaccine amid concerns Black New Yorkers are more hesitant to receive it, based in part on a history of medical experiments in the United States. 

"COVID has killed Black and Latino New Yorkers at a higher rate and that is why these community-based sites are one of New York's vaccine priorities," Cuomo said. "More than 9,000 New Yorkers have been vaccinated through this effort and by making the vaccine accessible and delivered by trusted community partners, we can address the skepticism and bring this life-saving vaccine to those who need it most. The light at the end of the tunnel is bright and getting brighter with each new location and each shot administered."

So far, more than 2 million vaccine doses have been administered in New York.