Hot Off The Press

White House Makes Announcement on Covid-19 ETS

Senior Biden Officials go on record to announce details about the highly contested Covid-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) soon to become a Final Rule. The proposed rule is expected to cover two thirds of the U.S workforce (or about 84 million workers).

What We Know

The highly watched mandate requires U.S. companies with 100 or more employees to require the vaccine or a negative test each week. The rule, which will be published as a Final Rule shortly by the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will require employees to be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022.

Some other key takeaways:

1. By December 5, 2021 workers who are not vaccinated must wear masks while at work
2. Starting December 5, 2021 employees will be eligible for paid time off as well as sick leave to receive the vaccine or recover from vaccine side effects
3. Penalties could range up to $13,653 for a single violation and up to $136,532 for willful violation of the standards.
4. The Centers for Medicare $ Medicaid Services (CMS) will offer religious and medical exemptions.

While the above isn’t a fully encompassing overview of the Final Rule. It certainly gives us insight into what is to come. Once we receive word of the Final Rule we will make sure to update this ongoing saga. To take a look at the Interim Final Rule published today click HERE!

It should be noted that we expect to see an uphill battle for this Final Rule as 19 states and counting have already filed suit since last Friday October 29, 2021.

What Can I Do in the Meantime?

In the meantime, while we wait to see how this all plays out you can check out our industry leading offerings to keep you and your employees safe and in the know with:

Returning to Work During the Pandemic for Managers and Supervisors

Returning to Work During the Pandemic for Employees

Coronavirus: Guarding Against Covid-19

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