The news became known shortly before Biden presented the details of his plan to crack down on coronary heart disease in the country.
The new demands are the most comprehensive measures Biden has taken to control the pandemic since he took over as president in January: They will affect almost all aspects of American society.
In a White House speech, the president criticized the nearly 80 million Americans who have not yet been vaccinated, despite months of access to vaccines, and repeatedly urged them to take it.
He said that the unvaccinated minority could pose a great danger to the country.
– We have been patient, but our patience is thin, and their denial has cost us all dearly, said Biden.
Applies to all government employees
The comprehensive requirements will, among other things, apply to companies with more than 100 employees. There, companies must either ensure that all employees are vaccinated, or they must test their employees for the coronavirus every week, which affects about 80 million Americans.
In addition, the president will require the vaccination of around 17 million health workers in clinics and institutions that receive financial support through the Medicare or Medicaid program. This applies to all nursing homes, among other things. It is open to certain exceptions, either for religious reasons or for people with disabilities.
Biden will also demand that all government employees be vaccinated, as well as all hired labor at the federal level. Governors are also encouraged to demand that school staff be vaccinated.
The Pentagon will double military medical teams to assist local hospitals that have a high number of coronary hospitalizations.
Strong increase in infection
Just two months ago, Biden announced that the United States had shaken off the coronavirus. The country is now experiencing an increase in infection of around 300 per cent, two and a half times more hospital admissions and almost twice as many coronary-related deaths as at the same time last year.
This is despite the fact that more than 208 million Americans have been vaccinated with at least one dose.
– We are in a tough period, and it can last for a while, says Biden about the current corona status in the country.
Tightens the grip
After many months of advocacy campaigns to increase vaccine support, Biden is tightening its grip and blaming the unvaccinated for the sharp increase in infection.
– This is not about freedom or personal choice, it is about protecting yourself and those around you, people you work with and people you care about – the people you love, said Biden.
In addition to vaccine requirements, the Biden double fine air passengers will have to pay if they refuse to wear a face mask on a flight or do not meet the requirement to wear a face mask on federal property.
Will give «booster doses»
Biden’s press secretary, Jen Psaki, says the plan’s overarching goal will be to attack the coronavirus from different angles, as infections and deaths return to crisis levels. The Delta variant has led to more infections and more hospitalizations in the United States.
– This means reducing hospital admissions. That means putting more test requirements in place and putting in place more protections in the form of “boosters” (third vaccine doses) to ensure that people have even stronger protection, Psaki told CNN.
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