Strict rules intended to push tens of millions of American workers into receiving vaccines against Covid-19 will come into effect on January 4 2022, President Joe Biden’s administration has announced.
Workers at larger businesses will have to get vaccinated against Covid-19 or face regular testing under new federal rules, USA Today reports.
Workers who choose the testing option may have to bear the cost. They also will be required to wear a face mask on the job beginning December 5.
The rules fill in the details for the vaccination requirement President Joe Biden announced in September for businesses with 100 or more employees.
The Labor Department is taking feedback over the next month on whether smaller workplaces should be included.
“COVID-19 continues to hold back our workforce and our economy, and it will continue to do so until more Americans are vaccinated,” Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Jeff Zients, the White House Covid-19 response coordinator said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement also applies to state and local government workers in 26 states, including teachers and school staff.
Twenty-one of those states have the option of writing their own workplace rules for public and private sector workers. But those rules can’t be weaker than what the federal government is requiring and must be adopted in 30 days.
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