Topline
The Fifth U.S. The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans affirmed Friday its decision to temporarily halt Biden's mandate that large private employers require workers to be vaccinated against Covid-19, or face weekly testing while litigation against the rule proceeds. It cited financial risks and potential harm for companies.
Joe Biden, former US Vice President, and Democratic presidential hopeful, speaks out about COVID-19 (also known as the Coronavirus) at a Wilmington press conference on March 12, 2020. (Photo taken by SAUL LOEB / AFP). (Photo taken by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images). AFP via Getty Images
The Key Facts
A three-judge panel of the conservative-dominated court said in its ruling that the mandate "threatens to decimate" private employers' workforces and business prospects by forcing employees to choose between getting vaccinated or leaving their jobs, and exposes private employers to "financial risk" due to fines if they decide not to comply. The Labor Department claimed that it can issue the mandate because workers are "subjected a grave risk" with Covid-19. However, the panel disputed that claim and said that the virus is more dangerous to certain employees than to others depending on their immunity. The mandate raises questions about "separation" and whether the mandate can control an individual's actions at work.
Important Background
The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the Fifth U.S. The mandate requires companies to ensure that their employees have been vaccinated before January 4, and to require them to submit weekly Covid-19 testing. Louisiana is one of more than a dozen states that have challenged the rules under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Big Number
From $13,653 up to $136,532. According to OSHA's website, this is the maximum amount companies could be fined for not following the mandate.
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Federal Appeals Court Temporarily Blocks Biden Administration Covid-19 Vaccine Mandat (Forbes).
Here are the GOP-Led States That Are Fighting The Biden Administration's Private Employer Immunization Mandate (Forbes).
