The new rule will require employers with more than 100 workers to test weekly for the Coronavirus
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas issued and signed an executive order on Monday, October 11, prohibiting any organization, including private businesses, from enforcing a vaccination mandate on workers.
The Republican said that people from Texas are not required to receive a Covid-19 vaccination mandate upon request by any person, including employees or consumers, who object to the vaccination due to their own conscience, religious beliefs, or medical reasons.
As stated by CBS News, vaccine requirements have also been added to his agenda for the upcoming special session of the state legislature, he said. Once legislation is enacted, the order will be lifted.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and our best defense against the virus, but should remain voluntary and never forced,” said Abbott, as quoted in the news.
COVID-19 Testing Every Week
According to AP News, the new rule will require employers with more than 100 workers to test weekly for the Coronavirus or receive vaccinations as part of a Biden administration initiative.
Texas-based American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have already reaffirmed their commitment to comply with the federal mandate.
Health institutions like Houston Methodist have had mandatory vaccine policies in place for some time, like many big corporations like AT&T Inc.
Cases of COVID-19 Decreases in Texas
The number of newly reported COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has dropped recently in Texas. However, the state’s death toll has risen sharply since the outbreak began in 2020 since the Delta variant occurred.
The state has already lost over 67,000 people since then.
As mentioned in KVUE ABC News, as of October 14, there are 51 new COVID cases, including 43 students, six employees, and two others.
Most people impacted by the virus were students and employees since August 16, with a total number of 1239 positive cases.
