President Biden on Thursday used the full force of his presidency to to get two-thirds of the American work force vaccinated against the coronavirus, including private sector employees, health care workers and federal contractors — as well as the vast majority of federal workers, who could face disciplinary measures if they refuse.
Mr. Biden is acting through a combination of executive orders and new federal rules.
Mr. Biden is acting through a combination of executive orders and new federal rules.
- Under his plan, federal workers, contractors and health care workers employed by institutions that accept Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement will not be allowed to opt out of testing by undergoing mandatory vaccination.
- Private sector businesses that have 100 or more employees will have to require vaccination, or mandatory weekly testing, for their workers after Mr. Biden instructs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to draft a rule.
- The mandate for health care workers will apply to those employed by institutions that accept Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, including hospitals and nursing homes, according to the officials. It will be carried out by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which regulates the health care industry.
- He also said he will require that 300,000 educators in federal Head Start programs be vaccinated and will call on governors to require vaccinations for schoolteachers and staff.
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