Biden To Require All Federal Workers To Get Vaccinated

Fearful of the dreaded Delta variant, President Joe Biden will announce Thursday that all federal workers will need to get their vaccine shots. Otherwise, all national government workers who have yet to receive COVID-19 vaccines will need to undergo frequent COVID-19 tests. 

RELATED: Biden Declares Success Even As US Misses Vaccine Goal

All Federal Workers To Get Coronavirus Vaccines

This coming Thursday, Biden will announce that all federal workers should get vaccines against coronavirus. Those who refuse to take vaccines will face repeated testing mandates. This represents a drastic escalation of efforts by the administration to combat the spread of the coronavirus. 

The directive mimics that of policies placed in Democrat-heavy areas such as California and New York City. The White House reportedly won’t go as far as fire-fed workers who refuse to get vaccine shots. Instead, they will impose a number of restrictions to nudge them to receive the vaccines. However, one official said that the policy review remains underway. Nothing is final until Biden makes an official announcement. 

Military Not Included

As of July 27, California and New York City will require government employees to get vaccines or face repeated testing requirements. Biden expects to require the same for federal workers. 

Sources say that the new policy won’t cover military personnel. However, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the US military will continue to urge all Department of Defense employees to get their vaccines.  

The White House remains alarmed with the resurgence of new COVID-19 cases throughout the country. Experts point to a recent rise in cases caused by the Delta variant.

Many of the new cases also involve Americans who remain unvaccinated until now, even with the availability of vaccines nationwide. While many experts believe that a 70% vaccination rate is enough to create herd immunity, many areas in the US have vaccination rates much lower than expected. With the Delta variant showing greater resistance and a faster rate of spread, many health officials urge increased vaccination rates. 

‘If You’re Not Vaccinated, You’re Not Nearly As Smart As I Thought You Were’

In response to a media inquiry, Biden told a reporter about the planned mandate. “That’s under consideration right now,” he said. “If you’re not vaccinated, you’re not nearly as smart as I thought you were.”

In addition, Biden said he hasn’t considered any moves to reimpose school closures or other restrictions like last year. However, he acknowledged that the US needs to implement changes to prevent the virus from overwhelming the country again.

However, many industries have started opening their doors just like normal times. Businesses, sporting events, and entertainment venues resumed their operations without the need to impose mask or vaccine mandates. With the rate of spread of the Delta variant, these companies might need to reconsider their stance.

Watch the Reuters video reporting that President Joe Biden says he’s considering vaccine mandate for federal workers:

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Do you agree to policies that encourage vaccination among Americans? Or, do you believe that vaccinations should remain a personal choice?

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