Yesterday afternoon it was reported that the U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the mandate requiring employees at large businesses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or test weekly for the virus and wear a mask at work, with the exception of health care workers.
In September of 2021, the Biden administration enacted “a new plan to require more Americans to be vaccinated.” As a result, the Department of Labor would issue an emergency rule requiring all employers with at least 100 employees to be fully vaccinated or show a negative test at least once a week. After a 2-month delay, the emergency standard was issued.
Following the new ruling many States, businesses, trade groups, and nonprofit organizations—filed petitions for review, with at least one petition arriving in each regional Court of Appeals. After deliberation, on Wednesday, January 13, 2022, the Court issues a stay that prevents the standard from taking effect.
The decision made by the Supreme Court will not affect the mandate set in place for healthcare workers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can enforce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers in Medicare and Medicaid facilities
Biden administration states, “it is now up to States and individual employers to determine whether to make their workplaces as safe as possible for employees and whether their businesses will be safe for consumers during this pandemic by requiring employees to take the simple and effective step of getting vaccinated.”
Rea & Associates’ human resources consulting services team is working diligently to provide you with the information you need to comply with new government regulations in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis.
Continue to follow your organization’s health and safety protocols in place to keep you safe at work. For more information about resources available to you in response to the COVID-19 crisis, fill out our contact us form or reach out to Renee West, SHRM-SCP, PHR, Director of Human Resources Consulting.