On Thursday, September 9, 2021, President Joe Biden announced new vaccine rules related to federal workers, large employers, and healthcare staff. The new rules come as the Delta variant runs rapidly through communities across the country.

In his speech, President Biden directed the Department of Labor to require all businesses with 100 or more workers to be vaccinated or tested once a week. Additionally, Biden will sign an emergency executive order requiring all government employees and contractors who do business with the federal government to be vaccinated with no option for weekly testing.

The new “emergency temporary standard” from the Labor Department will require large employers to give their workers paid time off to get vaccinated. According to officials, the government will “take enforcement actions,” which could include “substantial fines up to nearly $14,000 per violation” if businesses fail to comply.

This is a developing situation, and we expect more details to come available shortly, but large employers affected by these new rules should begin preparing to comply. Employers with less than 100 employees interested in their vaccine mandates should consult with their Risk Advisor or legal counsel before moving forward.

We will remain vigilant to the regulatory changes affecting your business and inform you of this rapidly developing situation. Reach out to Risk Advisor at Cavignac for more content on vaccines and the workplace.