Biden instructs large-business staff to be vaccinated or face testing
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President Joe Biden of the United States has announced new Covid-19 regulations requiring large-scale employers to vaccinate their employees or face weekly testing.
The steps, which include a vaccine mandate for millions of federal employees, come as Mr. Biden faces mounting pressure to prevent an outbreak of the disease.
Covid-19 has killed over 650,000 people in the United States, and hospitals are at capacity. Although the president promised a “summer of freedom” from the virus, the Delta version has experienced an increase in infections.
In a speech at the White House on Thursday, Mr Biden asked the US Department of Labor to require all private enterprises with 100 or more employees to mandate the jab or request documentation of a negative coronavirus test from employees at least once a week.
Around 80 million workers will be affected by the directive. Transparent line for a short presentation.
“This isn’t about personal choice or freedom; it’s about protecting yourself and the people around you,” Obama said as he revealed the six-point plan.
The same criteria will apply to about 17 million other healthcare employees who operate in facilities that receive government funds, he said.
The president’s plan enlists the full force of his administrative authority to force unvaccinated Americans to get the vaccine.
Some of his initiatives address frequent concerns among Americans who have not yet received the vaccine, such as not wanting to miss work or recover from side effects.
Some Republicans reacted angrily to the plan, arguing that the government should not interfere in people’s personal health decisions.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64 percent of adults in the United States have received all of their vaccines. Over 75% of people have had their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination.
Separately, education officials in Los Angeles decided on Thursday to require pupils aged 12 and up to be vaccinated by January in order to attend school, unless they have a medical or other exemption. The law will very certainly be challenged in court.