On September 9, US President Joe Biden announced a new policy to stimulate Americans, refusing to get a coronavirus shot. The new decree requires most federal employees to get COVID-19 vaccinations. These measures would apply even to those who work for businesses with more than 100 workers. In the current situation, employers should have their workers inoculated or tested weekly. The new measures proposed by Biden would apply to about two-thirds of all US employees.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 62% of Americans, excluding those with medical exemptions, are fully vaccinated. Amid the rapid spread of the new delta strain of coronavirus, this has led to a spike in hospital admissions and deaths from COVID-19, even among children.
The Joe Biden administration will also require vaccinations for more than 17 million healthcare workers at hospitals and other institutions that participate in Medicare and Medicaid social programs for poor, disabled, and older Americans. Previously, Biden insisted that federal employees be vaccinated or get tested. Now workers have 75 days to get immunized or face termination unless they fall into limited exemption categories.
According to the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, private companies that do not comply with the vaccine mandate will be fined $14,000 per violation. Penalties for refusing to comply with federal mask mandates on airplanes, trains, and buses were also increased.
The White House called on entertainment industry executives to require negative COVID-19 tests or proof of vaccination from visitors. Similar requirements should be introduced in a number of states for teachers and school staff.