Topline
Senior administration officials announced Thursday that President Joe Biden will announce that the Department of Labor will require all companies employing 100 or more employees to implement vaccine-or test mandates. This is part of a series of new measures designed to boost coronavirus vaccination rates.
After visiting New York City and New Jersey, US President Joe Biden returns to the White House. (Photo taken by Nicholas Kamm / AFP). (Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images). AFP via Getty Images
The Key Facts
According to a Forbes fact sheet, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's emergency order will affect 80 million workers and require that unvaccinated workers be tested at least once per week. Forbes was told by a Forbes official that businesses who fail to comply with the order face severe fines of up to $14,000 per violation. Official dismissed any concerns that the rule would lead to litigation and told reporters Labor Secretary Marty Walsh has the right to do so. He also said that the rulemaking process will take place within a few weeks and will be implemented soon after. According to the factsheet, OSHA will also create a rule that requires businesses with more than 100 employees to pay time off for them to get vaccinated. Biden also plans to end the option for federal workers to opt to have their coronavirus tested instead of being vaccinated. Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, stated that unvaccinated workers will be given 75 days to get their shots. Psaki stated that federal workers who refuse vaccination after 75 days will be subject to counseling and progressive disciplinary action. Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, said that federal workers will have to undergo the standard HR process that includes counseling. According to the fact sheet, Biden will also expand a directive that withholds federal funds from nursing homes that do not require coronavirus vaccinations. This applies to 17 million healthcare workers.
Tangent
Biden's new economic recovery and coronavirus plan also includes increasing federal personnel to hospitals for coronavirus treatment. It also includes accelerating the distribution and testing of monoclonal antibodies. The government will double the penalties for violating its mass transit mask mandate. Small businesses will be offered loans and loan forgiveness.
Big Number
652,480. This is the number of deaths caused by coronavirus in the United States during the current pandemic. 1,647 people died on Wednesday according to data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chief Critic
Rep. Jeff Duncan (Republican-S.C.) tweeted about the mandate for federal workers. Rep. Thomas Massie, (Republican-Ky.), added, People will remember who did this to them and who didn't speak out.
