Steve Burton reveals that 'General Hospital has let me go because of the vaccine mandate'

• Actor Steve Burton says that "General Hospital" let him go because of the vaccine mandate.
• He shared the news in a video posted to Instagram, saying "I wanted you to hear it from me."

Actor Steve Burton says he was let go from "General Hospital" because he wouldn't comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

"I wanted you to hear it from me," the two-time Daytime Emmy winner known for playing Jason Morgan on the long-running soap opera said in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday.

Burton said he applied for religious and medical exemptions, which were both denied by the show.

"This is also about personal freedom," he said. "I don't think anyone should lose their livelihood over this."

"I'll always be grateful for my time at 'General Hospital,'" he added.

Burton did not rule out the possibility for Jason Morgan's return to the show.

"Maybe one day if these mandates are lifted I can return and finish my career as Jason Morgan. That would be an honor," he said.

A post shared by Steve Burton (@1steveburton)

Burton is the second longtime cast member on "General Hospital" to be fired over a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Ingo Rademacher's — who played Jasper "Jax" Jacks — last episode aired Monday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended COVID-19 vaccines for everyone in the US aged 5 years and older.