The United States President Joe Biden ordered the mandatory vaccine for companies that have more than 100 employees. The employees, however, have the option to have weekly testing to see if they are positive or negative of the virus.
Biden’s New Vaccine Mandate
The new vaccine mandate comes after many areas in the country still have surges of new infections, a spike in hospitalizations and deaths, and slow progress in vaccination rates. SRDTF.org reported that White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said they know increasing vaccinations will stop the spread of the pandemic, get the pandemic under control, and return people to normal life. With this in mind, the vaccination mandate will be implemented.
The new vaccination mandate will affect around 80 million Americans. SRDTF.org added that the Associated Press talked to an administration office via phone, and the official told them if companies do not adhere to the new mandate, they may face penalties of up to $14,000 per violation.
In a statement by Biden regarding the new vaccine mandate, he said, “My message to unvaccinated Americans is this: What more is there to wait for? What more do you need to see? We’ve made vaccinations free, safe, and convenient. The vaccine is FDA-approved. Over 200 million Americans have gotten at least one shot. We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. And your refusal has cost all of us. So please, do the right thing.”
Other Suggestions By Biden
Aside from the vaccine mandate affecting companies with more than 100 employers, Biden suggested that large entertainment venues, sports arenas, and movie theaters should require vaccination passports or proof of a negative test for those who wish to enter.
Biden also called on doctors to reach out to their unvaccinated patients to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The president also asked governors to require teachers to be vaccinated.
For federal employees, Biden will sign an executive order that will require vaccination for them with no option to test out.
Republicans Ready To Battle Mandates
According to The Washington Post, many Republican-controlled states are preparing legal challenges against the vaccine mandates of Biden. On the other hand, top administration officials are working carefully to ensure that the vaccine mandates are ironclad.
