As we near a whopping two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden doubles down on his actions to protect Americans. With 59.9% of people fully vaccinated in the United States and the expanded availability of both booster shots and testing, the Biden administration hopes to limit the pandemic’s ongoing devastation.
On Thursday, December 2nd, the president announced his efforts to push all private-sector employees to offer paid time off in an effort to encourage individuals to receive their vaccine(s) and/or booster dose - a measure already offered to federal employees. Outside of the PTO incentive, highlights of the administration’s plan include free at-home tests covered by insurance, more rapid response teams to assist medical staff, and accelerating vaccination efforts. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration will extend its requirements for all travelers to wear masks on airplanes, trains, and buses and in airports or train stations, through March 18th.
For workplaces, the CDC guidelines state that they should keep following prevention strategies by wearing a mask indoors and in highly transmissible areas. The vaccine mandate is still not being implemented and the law has not been passed for private-sector companies. The best cause of action for small businesses across the board is preparation and understanding. By partnering with GMS, you’ll remain in the know with all of the latest legal changes.