WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 09: Joe Biden speaks about combatting the coronavirus pandemic in the State Dining Room of the White House on September 9, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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UPDATED 6:04 PM PT – Thursday, September 9, 2021
Joe Biden is using his executive authority to enact sweeping new COVID mandates targeting the unvaccinated, private companies and state governors who disagree with him. Speaking from the White House on Thursday, Biden outlined six steps he’s taking to combat the coronavirus.
Biden began his speech by stating the Department of Labor is in the process of developing an emergency rule that would require all companies with 100 or more employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine or receive a negative test every week. Biden then claimed “it’s not about freedom or personal choice.” He instead argued “it’s about protecting yourself and those around you.”
He also said the Department of Labor would require employers to offer paid time off to receive their vaccinations. As for all federal employees and contractors, Biden said they would be required to get vaccinated without the option to provide a negative test instead.
The nationwide mandates would reportedly affect 100 million Americans.
President @JoeBiden just introduced a new action plan to get us out of the pandemic, including measures that require large employers to ensure their employees are vaccinated or tested weekly for COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/8NLavVDXg1
— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 9, 2021
Biden also highlighted how he’s already used his “federal authority” to require vaccinations of all nursing home workers treating patients on Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, he said he would also be expanding the requirement to those working in hospitals and other medical facilities.
“If you want to work with the federal government, you must be vaccinated. If you want to do business with the government, you must vaccinate your workforce,” said Biden.
Further, Biden took aim at the maskless, saying he’s doubling federal fines for airline passengers who refuse to wear masks. He even promised to go after governors who opposed this federal overreach and stated he would “get them out of the way.”
Right now, local school officials are trying to keep children safe in a pandemic while their governor picks a fight with them and even threatens their salary and job.
If they will not help us beat the pandemic, I will use my powers as president to get them out of the way.
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 9, 2021
His third step would require all teachers in the Head Start program to get vaccinated and said he wants all governors to require teachers in their states to get vaccinated as well. Biden said another step would be to increase production of at-home rapid tests and offer free testing at select locations.
Biden closed by explaining steps that include the protection of economic recovery by expanding COVID injury disaster loan programs in order for small businesses to obtain loans for their business to survive. Finally, he said he would increase surge response teams and add more monoclonal antibody treatment centers across the country.
Biden claimed his mandates will keep the economy strong and ensure safety in schools. He did not take questions upon his announcement.
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