President Biden Announces Vaccine Mandates for Employers

Here’s latest update from our Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) legislative counsel, outlining what’s happening (OSCC Political Observations), activity on major issues, and what’s coming up. Any opinions expressed or implied are those of OSCC and do not necessarily reflect those of the Springfield Chamber or its representatives.

President Biden announced new vaccine mandates for workers, including federal employees, heath care workers and large employers. 

The new mandates will require all businesses with more than 100 employees to ensure that workers are either vaccinated or tested once a week. If companies don’t comply, they could face thousands of dollars in fines per employee. The Labor Department will require employers to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated. 

The President also called on large entertainment venues to require either proof of vaccination or negative tests for entry. These rules are expected to take effect in the coming weeks. You can read more about the mandates here.

OSCC is tracking rulemaking at federal OSHA and will continue to engage in rulemaking efforts at OR-OSHA or the Health Authority in response to this announcement. Please send any questions you have about this requirement to jessicac@oregonchamber.org. OSCC will collect the questions and send to OHA and OR-OSHA for an FAQ on this new requirement.