As part of his plan for the U.S. to overcome the coronavirus pandemic, President Joe Biden on Sept. 9 announced a Covid-19 Action Plan and directed the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to draft a rule requiring companies with 100 or more employees to either (1) ensure that their workforce is "fully vaccinated" or (2) require any workers who remain unvaccinated to produce a negative test for Covid-19 at least once a week. 

OSHA is expeditiously developing an emergency technical standard (ETS) to implement Biden’s directive. Early information from White House officials suggests that covered dealers also will be required to provide employees with paid time off to get vaccinated and/or to recover from any vaccination side-effects.

It was not immediately clear when the rule would be issued or when it would take effect. In addition, details on issues such as how dealers will be required to determine who is vaccinated and who is not, and what types of tests will be required were not immediately announced. Answers for those and similar questions likely will be addressed in the ETS. 

Until the ETS takes effect, dealers are urged to consult with outside counsel regarding the adoption of workplace vaccination policies.

 

The Covid Action Plan also includes emergency funds for schools to provide safe environments for students and educators.